Experiences of Awe Mediate Ketamine's Antidepressant Effects: Findings From a Randomized Controlled Trial in Treatment-Resistant Depression.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, provides rapid antidepressant effects. Although much research has focused on neural and molecular mechanisms of action, it is critical to also consider psychological mechanisms that may contribute to its therapeutic efficacy. The construct of an awe-inducing experience, which is a well-validated psychological phenomenon tied to emotional well-being, had not been applied previously in ketamine research.

Methods

One hundred sixteen participants with depression, 77 of whom received a ketamine infusion (0.5 mg/kg over 40 minutes) and 39 patients who received saline placebo, completed a validated measure of awe (the Awe Experience Scale [AWE-S]) at 40 minutes postinfusion. AWE-S scores were examined as potential mediators of depre

SUBMITTER: Aepfelbacher J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11078768 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature