Ketamine and Stress in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating condition that affects about 3 % of people at least once within their lifetime. Patients exhibit intrusive thoughts and ideas, as well as impulsive urges such as washing or ordering. The result is a state of constant tension, elevated levels of anxiety and risk for other comorbid diseases such as major depressive disorder including suicide. Half of patients suffering from OCD do not have sufficient alleviation through first line treatments such as psychotherapy or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Furthermore, current treatment options often take weeks or months to work, leaving many patients struggling. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of ketamine, a rapidly acting medication, to alleviate OCD and stress symptoms. Considering conflicting evidence reported by two previous trials, the results of this study will provide important clarifying evidence. Importantly, 30% of all OCD patients are diagnosed with depression. Clinical depression and OCD demonstrate multiple overlaps in terms of mechanisms and treatment options. Hence, ketamines known antidepressant effects might be helpful treating OCD as well. Lastly, the time lag of current treatments from several days to weeks is contrasted by the rapid therapeutic onset of ketamine of several hours. Taken together, based on promising preliminary evidence, this trial may improve therapeutic options for patients suffering from OCD.