Analysis of the use of ketamine as a therapeutic alternative to promote the reduction of suicidal ideation: a literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36557/2674-8169.2026v8n1p137-153Keywords:
ketamine, Suicidal ideation, DepressionAbstract
Suicide is a critical public health challenge to be faced today due to its high prevalence. Considering this reality ketamine is a possible drug intervention to promote the reduction of suicidal ideas and behaviors. However, this drug remains the subject of research and studies in order to clarify its applicability, long-term effects and the sustainability of the benefits and associated negative impacts. The aim of this review was to verify the efficacy and presence of adverse effects related to the use of ketamine as a therapeutic alternative for reducing suicidal ideation in individuals with severe depressive disorders. A search was carried out in the Pubmed and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) databases with the descriptors “ketamine” and “suicidal ideation”, using the Boolean operator “AND”. The inclusion criteria were articles of the controlled clinical trial and clinical trial type, and articles published between 2019 and 2024. The exclusion criteria were duplicate articles between the databases and articles unrelated to the topic. After reading the articles and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 31 articles were included in the study. The studies conducted showed that a reduction in suicidal ideation following the administration of ketamine was observed in most of the articles analyzed due to its rapid effect, reducing suicidal symptoms and, consequently, the imminent risk of suicide. However, it is worth emphasizing that this improvement in suicidality is not without complications, as dissociative symptoms and cardiac effects have been described in association with the infusion of this drug, which demonstrates the need for rigorous monitoring associated with the use of ketamine. In summary, the development of consolidated guidelines for the use of this drug in patients' medication regimens is essential to maintain therapeutic benefits and reduce risks. Resolving these aspects enables ketamine to be included as a safe and effective option for reducing suicidal ideation in depressed patients in the context of emergency medical interventions.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Mariana Alfena Ostwald, Marcos Antônio Mendonça, Ana Clara Pinheiro Andrade, Camila Trotta Lourenço de Lemos, Gustavo Alves Henderson Cardoso, João Victor Macedo de Oliveira, Juliana Silveira Sola, Luan Gabriel Affonso, Maria Victoria da Costa Farfan, Milla Daudt Ribeiro
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