Ketamine for suicidal ideation: New trial challenges current thinking about ketamine

Abstract

Will ketamine be given to eligible patients with suicidal ideation any time soon? This is hard to say, given the plausible concern that the widespread use of ketamine might trigger a new opioid style crisis.10 Whether ketamine reduces suicidal ideation in some people is a matter of evidence —which this trial by Abbar and colleagues provides. But whether the emergency use of ketamine for suicidal crises will be recommended in practice depends on many other factors, including the values and preferences of patients, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers.