Ketamine Anesthesia for Improvement of Depression in ECT
Sponsored by VA Puget Sound Health Care System
About This Study
The purpose of this prospective randomized clinical trial is to determine if patients receiving ketamine as a part of general anesthesia during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) rather than standard of care will have improvement in symptoms of depression after a course of ECT treatments. The investigators hypothesize that utilization of ketamine for induction of general anesthesia during ECT treatments will improve symptoms of depression better than standard care. This study is ONLY open to patients eligible to receive healthcare services through the Department of Veterans Affairs at the VA Puget Sound, which means service in the active military, naval or air service or separation under any condition other than dishonorable. Qualifications for VA health care benefits can be found at va.gov.
Conditions Studied
Interventions
- •Ketamine
- •Methohexital
Eligibility
View full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * outpatients or inpatients at the Puget Sound VA with diagnosis of major depressive disorder or bipolar 1 or 2 over the age of 18 undergoing index course ECT Exclusion Criteria: * uncontrolled hypertension (blood pressure \> 180/90 mmHg at the pre-anesthesia clinic visit) * renal failure * neurologic disorders (e.g. epilepsy, space occupying lesions, traumatic brain injuries in the past 6 months) * myocardial infarction in the past 6 months * known allergies or adverse reactions to ketamine * American Society of Anesthesiology Physical Class greater than 3 * concomitant psychosis * schizophrenia or current abuse of alcohol or illicit substances and pregnancy (any trimester)