Brain scans reveal clues to Ketamine's Depression-Fighting power

NCT ID NCT05915013

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looks at how ketamine works in the brain to relieve depression. Researchers are giving people with hard-to-treat depression either a placebo or a drug called perampanel before a dose of ketamine. They will use brain scans to see if blocking certain brain receptors changes ketamine's effects. The goal is to learn more about the brain chemistry behind ketamine's rapid mood boost.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Ketamine and perampanel

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a better understanding of how ketamine fights depression, potentially leading to more effective treatments.

What could go wrong

This is a very early, small Phase 1 study focused on brain imaging, not on proving the treatment works. The combination may not improve depression or could cause side effects.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

major depressive disorder post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Yale University

    RECRUITING

    New Haven, Connecticut, 06511, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••