Improving the lasting effects of ketamine treatment for depression
Official title: 2/2 A brief automated neurocognitive training to enhance the real-world impact of ketamine's rapid antidepressant effect
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11140470 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether using intravenous ketamine along with brain training exercises can help people with depression feel better faster and keep those positive changes for longer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 18, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $920,718 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH136178-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140470 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing depression who are seeking innovative treatment options and have not found relief from traditional therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have depression or those who are not suitable candidates for ketamine treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how combining intravenous ketamine, known for its rapid antidepressant effects, with automated neurocognitive training can enhance and prolong these benefits. The approach focuses on leveraging ketamine's ability to increase neuroplasticity, which allows for cognitive biases to be altered. By introducing digital cognitive training techniques during this heightened state of neuroplasticity, the study aims to solidify positive cognitive changes and improve long-term outcomes for patients suffering from depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective and sustainable treatment option for individuals with depression, enhancing the benefits of ketamine therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in combining ketamine with cognitive training techniques, suggesting that this approach may be effective in enhancing treatment outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mathew, Sanjay J — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Mathew, Sanjay J
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.