Ketamine in OCD: Efficacy and Effects on Stress and Cognition

Launched by MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF VIENNA · Oct 10, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how low doses of ketamine can help people with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Researchers believe that ketamine might reduce OCD symptoms quickly after it is given, and possibly even continue to help for several days afterward. The study is currently recruiting participants aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with OCD and have previously tried at least one treatment for their condition.

To be eligible for the trial, participants need to have a confirmed diagnosis of OCD and score a certain level of severity on a specific OCD scale. However, there are some health conditions and situations that would prevent someone from joining, such as a history of severe mental health issues or certain medical conditions. If someone participates, they can expect to receive a single infusion of ketamine and will be monitored for its effects on their OCD symptoms. This trial aims to find out if ketamine can be an effective treatment option for people struggling with OCD.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Primary diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder
• • A score of 16 or higher on the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale and ability to provide written informed consent
• • At least one previous treatment for OCD
• Exclusion Criteria Experimental Group:
• • Any history of current or past psychotic disorder
• • A manic episode within the preceding three years
• • Current or unstable remitted substance abuse or dependence except nicotine
• • Pregnancy or elevated risk of becoming pregnant during study duration (desire to have children) and refusal to utilize a proper method of contraception
• • Any current severe personality disorder except comorbid anankastic personality disorder
• • Morbus Raynaud
• • Inability to follow the study protocol or adhere to operational requirements
• • Current and unstable suicidality
• • Unstable hypertension
• • Untreated hyperthyroidism
• • Any unstable cardiovascular disease
• • Untreated disorders severely affecting the HPA-axis (M.Addison, M.Cushing)
• • Current pharmacological therapy severely affecting the HPA-axis like corticosteroids or ACTH
• Exclusion Criteria Treatment as Usual Group:
• • Any history of current or past psychotic disorder
• • A manic episode within the preceding three years
• • Current or unstable remitted substance abuse or dependence except nicotine
• • Any current severe personality disorder except comorbid anankastic personality disorder
• • Current and unstable suicidality