Brain scans reveal Ketamine's secret against suicidal thoughts?

NCT ID NCT07139106

Not yet recruiting Knowledge-focused Sponsor: New York State Psychiatric Institute Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 04, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study looks at how ketamine, a drug already used for depression, might reduce suicidal thoughts by affecting stress-related brain pathways. Researchers will give 12 adults with major depressive disorder a single ketamine infusion, then use smartphone tracking and PET brain scans to monitor changes. The goal is to understand the biological link between stress and suicidal thinking, not to test ketamine as a new treatment.

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 infusion
What this could lead to: If successful, this could reveal how ketamine reduces suicidal thoughts, pointing toward better treatments for depression-related suicide risk.
What could go wrong: This is a very small early-phase study with only 12 participants, so results may not apply broadly. It focuses on understanding brain mechanisms, not proving a treatment works.

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 MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (MDD) are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (MDD)

Contacts and locations

Locations

New York State Psychiatric Institute

New York, New York, 10032, United States

More trials for these conditions

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