Abstract

JUBY, Vidette M.; PARUK, Saaeda; TOMITA, Mitsuaki  and  CHILIZA, Bonga. Ketamine for depressive symptoms: A retrospective chart review of a private ketamine clinic. S. Afr. j. psyc. [online]. 2024, vol.30, n.1, pp.1-7. ISSN 2078-6786.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v30i0.2176.

BACKGROUND: There is currently no published evidence demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of subanaesthetic doses of ketamine, when administered intravenously as an adjunct treatment for depressive symptoms, in a real world setting in South Africa. AIM: This retrospective chart review reports the clinical response (change in Patient Health Questionnaire - 7 score) to an initial infusion series of ketamine added to usual treatment, and the pattern of its subsequent maintenance use, for depressive symptoms. SETTING: A private ketamine clinic in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal. METHODS: The medical records of all patients who attended a private ketamine clinic between August 2019 and 31 May 2021 were retrospectively analysed. Depression symptoms were evaluated using the Patient Health Questionaire-9 (PHQ-9) administered immediately before and 24 h after each treatment. Response was defined as a score decrease of more than 50%. RESULTS: Among the 154 patients who received ketamine infusions for depression, 67 completed a six infusion initial series, with a response rate of 60.6% and remission rate of 32.4%. Of the 154, 50% no longer experienced any suicidal ideation after treatment and adverse events were uncommon, with 6.2% of infusions requiring intervention for adverse events, mostly nausea. In addition, 48.5% of those who completed the initial series continued to receive maintenance infusions, with no evidence of escalating use or abuse. CONCLUSION: Incorporating intravenous ketamine into the existing treatment regimens at a private clinic was associated with reduced acuteness of depression severity and suicidal ideation. This approach appeared safe and tolerable, showing no signs of abuse or dependence CONTRIBUTION: This is the first known naturalistic study reporting on ketamine use for depressive symptoms in South Africa.

Keywords : ketamine; intravenous; induction; maintenance; major depression.

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