Could a single ketamine shot curb suicidal urges in the ER?

NCT ID NCT06085937

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Lindsay Maguire, MD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-stage trial tests whether a single low-dose injection of ketamine is safe and practical for adults who come to the emergency department with severe suicidal thoughts. Researchers will monitor side effects and ask staff about their experience. If successful, it could offer a quick way to ease suicidal thinking while patients wait for psychiatric help.

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 it works, this could provide a fast-acting option to reduce suicidal thoughts in the emergency room, buying time for further psychiatric care.
What could go wrong: This is a very early Phase 1 trial with only 50 participants, so it may not prove effective or safe for broader use. Ketamine can cause side effects like dissociation or blood pressure changes.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for DEPRESSION are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Depression depressive disorder Suicidal Ideation Suicide

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSION SUICIDAL IDEATION SUICIDE

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Kansas Medical Center Emergency Department
RECRUITING

Kansas City, Kansas, 66160, United States
University of Kansas Strawberry Hill Campus
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Kansas City, Kansas, 66101, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.