Using ketamine to quickly reduce suicide risk in young people who have attempted suicide
Ketamine Treatment of Youth Suicide Attempters for Fast Reduction of Severe Suicide Risk and Facilitation of Long-term Collaborative Clinical Engagement: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial
This study is looking at how well ketamine can help young people aged 15-24 who have recently tried to take their own life, by giving them either ketamine or a placebo while they're in the hospital, along with therapy sessions to help manage their feelings, to see if it can reduce their suicidal thoughts and improve their mental health over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10471430 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of ketamine, a medication known for its rapid anti-suicidal effects, in young individuals aged 15-24 who have recently attempted suicide. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either ketamine or a placebo while hospitalized, followed by up to six additional treatments based on their response. Alongside the medication, patients will engage in weekly therapeutic sessions aimed at managing suicidal thoughts. The goal is to assess both the immediate and long-term effectiveness of ketamine in reducing suicidal ideation and improving overall mental health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are youth aged 15-24 who have recently attempted suicide.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of suicide attempts or are outside the age range of 15-24 may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a fast-acting treatment option for young individuals at high risk of suicide, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results for ketamine in treating suicidal ideation, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Falcone, Tatiana — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Falcone, Tatiana
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 below.