Ketamine treatment for depression: qualitative study exploring patient views.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ketamine is a new and promising treatment for depression but comes with challenges to implement because of its potential for abuse.

Aims

We sought the views of patients to inform policy and practical decisions about the clinical use of ketamine before large-scale roll-out is considered.

Method

This qualitative study used three focus groups and three validation sessions from 14 patients with prior diagnoses of depression but no experience of ketamine treatment. Focus groups explored their views about clinical use of ketamine and the best way for ketamine to be administered and monitored. The qualitative data were analysed by three service-user researchers using thematic analysis.

Results

Five themes were generated: changing public perceptions, risks,

SUBMITTER: Jilka S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8058884 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature