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Ketamine could be used for suicide prevention

Ketamine may play a role in preventing suicide and lifting the mood of severely depressed patients, according to a new study.

The anaesthetic drug, which is sometimes used recreationally, was found to almost instantaneously lift the mood of depressed patients. This contrasts with other anti-depressants, which can take up to eight weeks to take effect.

While the drug was immediately effective on three out of the four patients trialled, all patients were found to have relapsed within a week.

Read more at UNSW Sydney

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