Can ketamine quickly quiet suicidal thoughts? new brain scan study aims to find out
NCT ID NCT06891300
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether four intravenous ketamine infusions over two weeks can reduce suicidal thoughts in 36 adults with major depression. Participants will also have two MRI brain scans to see if changes in brain structure relate to symptom improvement. The goal is to both treat suicidal ideation and understand the biological mechanisms behind it.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
ketamine hydrochloride
What this could lead to
If successful, this could point toward a fast-acting treatment for suicidal thoughts in depression and help explain how ketamine changes the brain.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase study with only 36 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Ketamine can cause side effects like dissociation or nausea, and the effect on suicidal thoughts may not last.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre
RECRUITINGOttawa, Ontario, K1Z7K4, Canada
Contact
Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••