[Ketamine as an anesthetic, analgesic and anti-depressant].

BACKGROUND Treatment-resistance occurs in about 30% of patients with depression. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify new treatment strategies. Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, is studied and applied as treatment for patients with treatment-resistant depression. AIM: A critical review of the current use of ketamine as an antidepressant. METHOD: Literature study. RESULTS: Ketamine is a proven effective acute antidepressant. However, limited information is available about maintenance of effect of ketamine, potential risks of repeated administration, and different routes of administration and treatment schedules. CONCLUSION: Additional research on ketamine as an antidepressant is needed. Meanwhile, (off-label) treatment should only be applied after careful patient selection and under close monitoring.