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01-05-2016 | Psychiatry and Preclinical Psychiatric Studies - Short communication

Treatment escalation in patients not responding to pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and electro-convulsive therapy: experiences from a novel regimen using intravenous S-ketamine as add-on therapy in treatment-resistant depression

Authors: Bernd Kallmünzer, Bastian Volbers, Anne Karthaus, Ozan Yüksel Tektas, Johannes Kornhuber, Helge H. Müller

Published in: Journal of Neural Transmission | Issue 5/2016

Abstract

A lack of response despite maximum therapy is common in patients fulfilling criteria of treatment-resistant depression. Therefore, innovative strategies for treatment escalation are warranted. Here, we report the clinical experiences associated with a novel therapeutic regimen combining electroconvulsive therapy and repeated intravenous S-ketamine treatment in three patients. The combined therapy was feasible and had no serious side effects. All patients responded to the new treatment option. The augmentative effect of sub-anesthetic S-ketamine on ECT is discussed.

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Title: Treatment escalation in patients not responding to pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and electro-convulsive therapy: experiences from a novel regimen using intravenous S-ketamine as add-on therapy in treatment-resistant depression
Authors: Bernd Kallmünzer
Bastian Volbers
Anne Karthaus
Ozan Yüksel Tektas
Johannes Kornhuber
Helge H. Müller
Publication date: 01-05-2016
Publisher: Springer Vienna
Published in: Journal of Neural Transmission / Issue 5/2016
Print ISSN: 0300-9564
Electronic ISSN: 1435-1463
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-015-1500-7

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Treatment escalation in patients not responding to pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and electro-convulsive therapy: experiences from a novel regimen using intravenous S-ketamine as add-on therapy in treatment-resistant depression

Abstract

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