September 17th, 2024
Researchers at the University of Otago are embarking on a groundbreaking trial, investigating the combination of ketamine, a drug with short-term antidepressant effects, with Behavioural Activation Therapy (BAT) to support individuals with treatment-resistant depression.
The innovative approach aims to extend the efficacy of treatment, offering hope to those for whom traditional antidepressants have failed, according to a media release from Otago University.
Why it matters: Depression remains the leading mental health challenge globally, with a significant number of patients not responding to standard treatments. This trial represents a novel approach to extending the wellness period post-treatment, potentially reshaping care for those with persistent depressive disorders.
Driving the news: Dr Ben Beaglehole, a senior lecturer and study investigator at the University's Christchurch campus, highlighted the promise of ketamine as an antidepressant but noted its limitations due to the short-lived nature of its benefits. By integrating ketamine with BAT, researchers aim to tackle the inactivity and emotional stagnation characteristic of depression, enhancing long-term outcomes.
Details:
The study seeks 60 participants from Christchurch and Dunedin diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression.
Participants will be divided into two groups; one receiving only ketamine and the other receiving ketamine alongside BAT.
Ketamine will be administered orally in a controlled setting to mitigate its dissociative effects and potential for abuse.
The trial is funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand and will run for three years, tracking the long-term mood improvements of participants.
What they're saying: "Ketamine is probably the most exciting new treatment for a generation... However, its positive effects fade away within days or weeks of treatment ending," said Dr Beaglehole. He emphasised the importance of BAT in the trial, aimed at embedding accessible and affordable strategies into patients' daily routines to sustain mood improvements.
What's next: The trial's outcomes could significantly impact the treatment of depression globally, offering a new lifeline for those with treatment-resistant forms of the illness. Both groups will be monitored for an additional 12 weeks post-treatment to assess the lasting benefits of BAT in maintaining improved mood states.
Between the lines: This study acknowledges the complex nature of treatment-resistant depression and the urgent need for innovative solutions. If successful, it could pave the way for more holistic approaches to mental health care, combining pharmacological interventions with psychotherapeutic support.
The bottom line: "If this trial is effective and can be proven to help delay relapse, it will give genuine hope to people with treatment-resistant depression," Dr Beaglehole concluded, highlighting the potential for this trial to offer new, effective treatment pathways for one of the world's most pressing health challenges.