Off-label use of ketamine for treatment-resistant depression in clinical practice: European perspective

Br J Psychiatry. 2019 Aug;215(2):447-448. doi: 10.1192/bjp.2019.102. Epub 2019 Apr 29.

Abstract

Ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression in European national health systems may only be considered after attempting all evidence-based antidepressant strategies outlined in clinical guidelines. This paper seeks to explain the ethical, regulatory and procedural framework for the off-label use of ketamine for treatment-resistant depression within a public healthcare system.Declaration of interestNone.

Keywords: Treatment-resistant depression; antidepressants; ketamine.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Antidepressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant / drug therapy*
  • Europe
  • Humans
  • Ketamine / adverse effects
  • Ketamine / therapeutic use*
  • Off-Label Use / ethics*
  • Off-Label Use / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Safety

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Ketamine