Intravenous Ketamine Therapy vs. Electroconvulsive Therapy in Depressive Cases

Pharmacological strategies with rapid antidepressant effects lasting for hours or even a few days would have an enormous impact on public health. The objective of this study was to compare intravenous ketamine therapy and electroconvulsive therapy in depressive patients. A total number of 32 depressive patients aged 18 and over, who were candidates for electroconvulsive therapy, were assessed in two groups of 16. The first group received intravenous ketamine therapy (0.5 mg/kg) while the second underwent electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Six sessions of treatment were performed during 3 weeks. The Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS) was used before treatment, at therapy sessions, and one week, as well as 1, 2, and 3 months after the treatment. In addition, Wechsler adult intelligence scale (WAIS) was employed before and 1 and 3 months after treatment. Although the HDRS scores improved in both groups after treatment, the reductions were insignificantly more in the ECT group. Three months after the treatment, the WAIS scores increased in the ketamine group but decreased in the ECT group. However, the deference was not significant. The results of this study showed that intravenous ketamine therapy improved the WAIS scores after treatment. However, long term effects of ECT on reducing HDRS scores were more than ketamine therapy.