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Efficacy and safety of ketamine in the management of anxiety and anxiety spectrum disorders: a review of the literature.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Banov, MD; Young, JR; Dunn, T; Szabo, ST
Published in: CNS spectrums
June 2020

Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent psychiatric conditions. Despite many proven pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments available, high rates of partial response and low rates of long-term remission remain. Ketamine has been receiving increasing attention as an interventional treatment modality in psychiatry, especially among refractory conditions, including major depressive disorder. There is limited yet growing evidence to support the use of ketamine in anxiety disorders. In this review of the literature, we present case reports, case series, and controlled trials demonstrating proof-of-concept for its potential role in the treatment of anxiety and anxiety spectrum disorders. Its unique mechanism of action, rapid onset, and high rate of response have driven its use in clinical practice. Ketamine is generally well tolerated by patients and has a limited side effect profile; however, the effects of long-term use are unknown. While there is a growing body of research and increasing clinical experience to suggest ketamine may have clinical applications in the treatment of refractory anxiety disorders, further research to determine long-term safety and tolerability is indicated.

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Published In

CNS spectrums

DOI

ISSN

1092-8529

Publication Date

June 2020

Volume

25

Issue

3

Start / End Page

331 / 342

Related Subject Headings

  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
  • Psychiatry
  • Ketamine
  • Humans
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • 5202 Biological psychology
  • 3209 Neurosciences
  • 3202 Clinical sciences
 

Citation

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Banov, M. D., Young, J. R., Dunn, T., & Szabo, S. T. (2020). Efficacy and safety of ketamine in the management of anxiety and anxiety spectrum disorders: a review of the literature. CNS Spectrums, 25(3), 331–342. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1092852919001238
Banov, Michael D., Jonathan R. Young, Tyler Dunn, and Steven T. Szabo. “Efficacy and safety of ketamine in the management of anxiety and anxiety spectrum disorders: a review of the literature.CNS Spectrums 25, no. 3 (June 2020): 331–42. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1092852919001238.
Banov, Michael D., et al. “Efficacy and safety of ketamine in the management of anxiety and anxiety spectrum disorders: a review of the literature.CNS Spectrums, vol. 25, no. 3, June 2020, pp. 331–42. Epmc, doi:10.1017/s1092852919001238.
Journal cover image

Published In

CNS spectrums

DOI

ISSN

1092-8529

Publication Date

June 2020

Volume

25

Issue

3

Start / End Page

331 / 342

Related Subject Headings

  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
  • Psychiatry
  • Ketamine
  • Humans
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • 5202 Biological psychology
  • 3209 Neurosciences
  • 3202 Clinical sciences