Ketamine and Depression: Is It Ready for Primetime? (SA515)

Depression is common in the hospice and palliative care population, with prevalence estimates ranging from 17% in the palliative care population to up to 40% in hospice patients. Depressive disorders such as major depression frequently go unrecognized or undertreated, and are associated with significant disability, impaired quality of life, and increased healthcare utilization. Depression is also associated with poor symptom control and often affects pain, appetite, and motivation. Several studies now provide evidence of ketamine hydrochloride ’s ability to produce rapid and robust antidepressant effects in patients with mood disorders that were previously resistant to treatment.
Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management - Category: Palliative Care Authors: Source Type: research