The Effect of Ketamine on Aesthetics and Role for Antidepressant Effects

Summary

The aim of this study is to assess the impact of ketamine on aesthetic perception and processing. This study assesses the role of these effects in facilitating ketamine's antidepressant properties, with a focus on anhedonia. To address this aim, 25 patients with major depressive disorder and 35 healthy controls will be assessed twice with magnetic resonance imaging, once after administration of intravenous ketamine (subanesthetic dose) and once after administration of placebo.This study has a single-center, placebo-controlled, cross-over study design. During MRI, structural, resting state, and functional imaging will be performed. Functional imaging will comprise aesthetic processing, reward, and sexual arousal paradigms. In addition, various neuropsychological scales assessing depressive symptoms, anhedonia, and aesthetic processing will be performed. Eligibility for participation will be assessed during a screening visit, a follow up visit will end study participation.

Timeline

Start

2022-06-01

Primary completion

2025-02-28

Completion

2025-02-28

Publications

• Klobl M, Liebe T, Dorl G, Stohrmann P, Schmidt C, Briem E, Milz C, Schlosser G, Kathofer M, Gomola D, Godbersen GM, Crone JS, Lanzenberger R, Spies M. Sex, drugs, and arousal-two randomized trials on the effects of ketamine on sexual arousal and calcarine gyrus activity. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2026 Feb 12;16:20451253251406059. doi: 10.1177/20451253251406059. eCollection 2026.

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Indications