Can a blood test predict who will respond to ketamine for depression?

NCT ID NCT03573349

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Mayo Clinic Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 02, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026

Summary

This study investigates whether changes in brain chemicals (GABA and glutamate) can predict who will respond to ketamine for treatment-resistant depression. Researchers will give two intravenous ketamine infusions to 18 adults and measure chemical levels in the brain and blood. The goal is to find simple blood-based markers that could guide treatment decisions in the future.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: ketamine
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help doctors predict which patients with treatment-resistant depression will benefit from ketamine, making treatment more personalized.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small feasibility study (18 people) without a placebo group, so results may not apply broadly. The focus is on measuring biomarkers, not proving long-term effectiveness.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bipolar depression bipolar disorder Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BIPOLAR DEPRESSION MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER TREATMENT RESISTANT DEPRESSION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Mayo Clinic in Rochester

Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States

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