Using ketamine to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.