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

NCT ID NCT05915013

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Yale University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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.

major depressive disorder post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSIVE DISORDER, MAJOR POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Yale University
RECRUITING

New Haven, Connecticut, 06511, United States

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