A Proof-of-Concept Study of Subanesthetic Intravenous Ketamine Combined With Prolonged Exposure Therapy Among Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Paulo Shiroma, Paul Thuras, Joseph Wels, Christopher R. Erbes, Shannon Kehle‐Forbes, Melissa A. Polusny
Abstract
P rolonged exposure (PE) is a gold-standard trauma- focused therapy 1 ; however, clinical trials of trauma-based therapies in the military and veteran populations showed that up to 50% of participants failed to attain clinically meaningful symptom improvement. 2Emerging research indicates that PE efficacy may be improved by the use of adjunctive medications.The efficacy of single and repeated ketamine administration in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) seems comparable with that in depression.Below, we present pilot data on the feasibility of combining standardized PE therapy with repeated ketamine administration in PTSD.
Topics & Concepts
KetaminePosttraumatic stressAnesthesiaMedicineIntravenous therapyPsychiatryIntensive care medicineTreatment of Major DepressionAnesthesia and Neurotoxicity ResearchAnesthesia and Sedative Agents