John H. Krystal, Chadi G. Abdallah, Gerard Sanacora, Dennis S. Charney, Ronald S. Duman
Published online: 6 March 2019 | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2019.02.005
Abstract
Ketamine is the first exemplar of a rapid-acting antidepressant with efficacy for treatment-resistant symptoms of mood disorders. Its discovery emerged from a reconceptualization of the biology of depression. Neurobiological insights into ketamine efficacy shed new light on the mechanisms underlying antidepressant efficacy.
The rapid, profound, and sustainable anti-depressant effects of ketamine seem poised to transform the treatment of depression, while mechanisms through which it may work are overturning the received wisdom regarding the underlying neurobiology.
Keywords: ketamine, depression, suicidal thoughts, Krystal
