Retrospective Review of Intravenous Ketamine Treatments for Treatment-Resistant Depression

This study is focused on understanding how effective intravenous ketamine treatments are for people dealing with treatment-resistant depression. Conducted by the Ontario Ketamine and Infusion Centre, which specializes in providing these treatments, the research involves looking back at patient records to assess the impact of ketamine. Treatment-resistant depression is a condition where typical antidepressant medications do not work, so finding alternative treatments is crucial. By exploring how ketamine works in real-life settings, this study aims to enhance treatment options for those who struggle with depression that doesn't respond to standard therapies. Participants in this study have undergone intravenous ketamine treatments, where ketamine is administered directly into the bloodstream. The study evaluates the effectiveness of these treatments by using several assessments. The Beck's Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) measures the severity of depression symptoms, with higher scores indicating more severe depression. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) checks for anxiety symptoms, while the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) also assesses depression severity. These tools help researchers understand the impact of ketamine on depression and anxiety, potentially offering insights into new treatment possibilities.