Using ketamine to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder
Ketamine Therapy in Obsessive-compulsive Disorder and Its Effects on Neuropsychological Function Under Stress in a Cross-over Trial
This study is testing if low-dose ketamine can help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder feel better by comparing it to another treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical University of Vienna Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vienna, State of Vienna) |
| Trial ID | NCT05577585 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of low-dose ketamine in alleviating symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It employs a randomized, double-blind, comparator-controlled cross-over design involving 30 participants diagnosed with OCD. Participants will receive ketamine and a comparator infusion in either inpatient or outpatient settings, while their neurocognitive function and stress responses will be assessed through various tasks. An option for open-label follow-up with additional infusions is also available for participants.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with a primary diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder who have previously undergone treatment for their condition.
Not a fit: Patients with current or past psychotic disorders, severe personality disorders, or unstable medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide rapid relief from OCD symptoms and potentially sustain its effects for several days after a single infusion.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with ketamine for various psychiatric disorders, indicating potential for success in this novel application for OCD.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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
Where this trial is running
Vienna, State of Vienna
- Medical University of Vienna, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy — Vienna, State of Vienna, Austria (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Christoph Kraus, MD PhD — Medical University of Vienna, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
- Study coordinator: Christoph Kraus, MD PhD
- Email: christoph.kraus@muv.ac.at
- Phone: +4314040035680
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.