Brain Activity and Ketamine for Depression Symptoms in People With Epilepsy
Tests ketamine and studies brain recordings in adults with epilepsy and depressive symptoms.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Electrophysiologic Mechanisms of Ketamine Antidepressant Response
Key facts
- Where
- Atlanta, United StatesSee the site
- Phase
- Phase 2
Where in United States
- Emory UniversityAtlanta, United StatesNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Emory University
- Trial code
- NCT07768618
- Record updated
- 17 August 2026
- Original description
This study aims to identify electrophysiologic biomarkers associated with antidepressant response to ketamine in adults with epilepsy undergoing clinically indicated stereo-electroencephalography (sEEG) monitoring who have at least mild depressive symptoms.Read full original descriptionShow less
Electrophysiologic Dynamics of Depression and Antidepressant Response in Epilepsy
This study aims to identify electrophysiologic biomarkers associated with antidepressant response to ketamine in adults with epilepsy undergoing clinically indicated stereo-electroencephalography (sEEG) monitoring who have at least mild depressive symptoms.
Participants will receive a single subanesthetic intravenous ketamine infusion (0.5 mg/kg over 40 minutes) during their Epilepsy Monitoring Unit admission. Intracranial neural recordings and behavioral assessments will be collected before and approximately 24 hours after infusion to examine changes in neural circuits associated with rumination and anhedonia.
Inclusion: Admitted to the Emory EMU for clinically indicated sEEG monitoring for epilepsy; At least mild depressive symptoms at baseline, defined as MADRS ≥7 or BDI-II ≥14; Electrode coverage that includes midline regions sufficient for enrollment and analyses; Ability to provide informed consent and to complete bedside tasks/questionnaires in English; Expected to remain under inpatient monitoring through the planned ~24-hour post-infusion follow-up unless clinical needs dictate otherwise.
Exclusion: Sedative or other medication exposure at a level that, in the judgment of the clinical team, precludes safe ketamine administration or reliable behavioral assessment (participant may be deferred rather than permanently excluded if the issue resolves); Documented IQ <70, intellectual disability, severe cognitive impairment, delirium, severe aphasia, or other condition that prevents valid consent or task participation; Current or past schizophrenia-spectrum disorder or other psychotic disorder; Current manic/hypomanic episode or bipolar-spectrum illness judged by study psychiatrist/investigator to increase risk or confound interpretation; Imminent suicide risk or active suicidal intent requiring urgent intervention as determined by clinical assessment. Passive ideation without imminent intent may be considered on a case-by-case basis with psychiatric approval and enhanced monitoring; Contraindication to subanesthetic ketamine, including uncontrolled hypertension, unstable cardiovascular disease, aneurysm/vascular malformation or similar condition conferring unacceptable risk, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or other clinically significant medical instability; Clinical team determination that ketamine administration or study timing would interfere with epilepsy care or perioperative management; Active alcohol or substance abuse/dependence within the past 3 months.