Ketamine's Impact on Cortisol Levels Linked to Rapid Relief of Suicidal Thoughts
A clinical trial has found that a single dose of ketamine increases morning cortisol levels in patients with major depression and suicidal thoughts. This hormonal boost persists for at least 24 hours and may be linked to ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects. The study involved 80 adults and used saliva samples to measure cortisol levels before and after ketamine administration. The findings suggest that ketamine's impact on the body's stress response system could play a role in reducing suicidal ideation.