Using ketamine to help suicidal patients in the emergency department
Official title: Feasibility and Safety of Single Dose Ketamine for Acutely Suicidal Patients in the Emergency Department
Run by University of Kansas Medical Center · NCT06085937 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a low dose of ketamine can safely help people in the emergency department who are feeling suicidal by reducing their symptoms and possibly shortening their hospital stay.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Kansas Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Kansas City, Kansas and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | April 2026 |
| Study ends | April 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06085937 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 who are acutely suicidal and require inpatient stabilization.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of psychosis, current mania, or other specified medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This phase one trial investigates the safety and feasibility of administering low-dose intravenous ketamine to patients presenting with suicidal ideation in the emergency department. Participants will receive a single dose of 0.2mg/kg of ketamine and will be monitored for two hours for vital signs and symptoms. The study aims to gather preliminary data on the drug's efficacy in reducing depressive and suicidal symptoms, as well as its impact on the length of hospital stay. Surveys will be conducted at various intervals to assess changes in mental health status.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a rapid and effective intervention for patients experiencing acute suicidal ideation.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with ketamine for treatment-resistant depression, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* Acutely Suicidality ("yes" answer to any of items 4 or 5 on C-SSRS "Suicidal Ideation" category)
* Require inpatient stabilization for SI or actions based on clinical observation and interview
* Are accepted for psychiatric stabilization at the University of Kansas Medical Center's Strawberry Hill campus
* Have a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) of 15
* Age 18-65
Exclusion Criteria:
* Current or past history of psychosis
* Current or recent (past 4 weeks) symptoms of mania/hypomania as defined by Young Mania Rating Scale (YRMS) score of 12 or greater
* History of ketamine use disorder
* History of liver transplant
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Imprisonment or inability to consent
* Positive urine drug screen or serum alcohol level
* Hypertension (SBP \> 160 or DBP \> 100 before administration of ketamine)
* Hypotension (SBP \< 90)
* Presence of acute medical condition requiring admission to medical service
* Allergy, intolerance, or previous adverse reaction to ketamine
* Patient has 8+ lifetime ketamine exposures
* The treating physician determines that the patient is not a good candidate for the study (e.g. medical condition/procedure, medication that would contradindicate ketamine treatment)
Where it's running
-
University of Kansas Medical Center Emergency Department
Kansas City, Kansas, United States Recruiting -
University of Kansas Strawberry Hill Campus
Kansas City, Kansas, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lindsay Maguire, MD
- Email: lmaguire@kumc.edu
- Phone: 913-588-3580
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Inhaled DMT for major depressive disorder
This trial tests whether inhaled DMT can quickly ease depressive symptoms and reduce suicide risk in adults with major depressive disorder.
-
Sleep and circadian interventions for college students at high risk of suicide
Three sleep-focused approaches are being tested to see if they can help reduce suicidal thoughts and depression in high-risk college students receiving psychiatric care.
-
Co-creating suicide prevention tools for people in prison
This project will work with people in prison and prison care staff to test and adapt three suicide prevention tools so they fit prison life and are easier to use.
-
Chat conversations with the suicide helpline 1813: how people experience them
This study tests how people feel before and after chatting with the Zelfmoordlijn 1813 helpline to see if the chat affects suicidal thoughts or feelings.
-
Culturally adapted suicide prevention for Black middle school students in Chicago
This pilot will try a culturally adapted Signs of Suicide program to see if it helps Black middle school students in Chicago recognize suicidal thoughts and get help.
-
Sleep and bright-light program for teens with depression and sleep problems
This project will try a sleep-and-bright-light program to improve sleep and mood in teens aged 12–18 with moderate-to-severe depression and clinically significant sleep problems who are at risk for suicidal thoughts.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.