Ketamine is a drug which is commonly used as an anaesthetic in both adults and children. Recent research has shown that at lower doses ketamine can have rapid acting antidepressant effects, including in people who have previously not responded to two or more treatments for their symptoms (this is often called treatment-resistant depression).

The research taking place within this group aims to understand the effect of ketamine treatment in alleviating treatment-resistant depression. Future research will investigate the potential symptomatic improvement of depression following ketamine treatment within people with anorexia. Ongoing research, for which recruitment has closed, has used brain imaging techniques to observe the effects of ketamine treatment on brain activity patterns and how this relates to any changes in the symptoms of treatment-resistant depression.

Upcoming studies:

The EDEN study: Ketamine for the Treatment of Depression with Anorexia Nervosa

The upcoming EDEN trial aims to investigate the effect of ketamine in alleviating depression in 60 adults with a diagnosis of persisting anorexia and treatment-resistant depression. Participants in the study will randomly receive either ketamine, or placebo, twice a week for a total of four weeks. The main aims of the study are to explore outcomes such as how many people take part in and remain in the study and how people experience the study. However, we will also measure changes in symptoms over time. The study will be led by Dr Hubertus Himmerich, Reader in Eating Disorders at the IoPPN and Consultant Psychiatrist at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. 

This study is not yet recruiting but to find out more information you can email eden@kcl.ac.uk.

Closed studies:

The Signature Study: Synaptic Imaging and Network Activity in Treatment Resistant Depression

Recruitment for this study has now closed. Please get in touch should you wish to be considered for any future studies.

What is the study about?
Using brain imaging technology, we will observe the effects of ketamine treatment on brain activity in people with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder who have previously not had an adequate improvement in depressive symptoms following at least two trials of different antidepressants.