Ketamine's brain secrets: new study aims to unlock rapid depression relief
NCT ID NCT06698848
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study gives ketamine to 120 people with major depression and suicidal thoughts who are not on other psychiatric medications. Researchers use brain scans and a gentle nose swab to see how ketamine changes brain connections and neuron activity. The goal is to understand why ketamine works so quickly, which could lead to better treatments.
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 reveal exactly how ketamine works in the brain, paving the way for new, safer depression treatments.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early phase 1 study focused on understanding mechanisms, not proving effectiveness. Results may not lead to new treatments.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Massachusetts General Hosipital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
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