Ketamine Injection for Suicidal Distress in an Emergency Department
Tests a ketamine injection in adults in an emergency department with suicidal distress.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Intramuscular Ketamine for Suicidal Patients in the Evanston Hospital Emergency Department for Suicidal Distress
Key facts
- Where
- Evanston, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- Endeavor Health - Evanston HospitalEvanston, 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
- Endeavor Health
- Trial code
- NCT07810023
- Record updated
- 9 September 2026
- Original description
This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of administering intramuscular ketamine for the acute reduction of suicidal distress during psychiatric boarding at the Evanston Hospital ED. This study also aims to identify and describe the broader patient population who present to the Evanston Hospital ED in suicidal distress. This study includes several cohorts. A small (n=8) dosing cohort will receive an IM injection of ketamine. Additionally, an ED staff cohort and a research staff cohort can complete optional surveys to provide feedback about study procedures. Lastly, a chart review will be conducted after the completion of the study to determine the volume and patterns of patients who present to Evanston Hospital ED in suicidal distress.Read full original descriptionShow less
Intramuscular Ketamine for Suicidal Patients in the Evanston Hospital Emergency Department for Suicidal Distress: A Pilot Study
This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of administering intramuscular ketamine for the acute reduction of suicidal distress during psychiatric boarding at the Evanston Hospital ED. This study also aims to identify and describe the broader patient population who present to the Evanston Hospital ED in suicidal distress. This study includes several cohorts. A small (n=8) dosing cohort will receive an IM injection of ketamine. Additionally, an ED staff cohort and a research staff cohort can complete optional surveys to provide feedback about study procedures. Lastly, a chart review will be conducted after the completion of the study to determine the volume and patterns of patients who present to Evanston Hospital ED in suicidal distress.
Inclusion: Admitted to the Evanston Hospital ED and met criteria for SCS; Awaiting voluntary admission to the Evanston Hospital inpatient psychiatric unit; Above the age of 18; Ability to provide written informed consent; Admitted to the Evanston Hospital ED; Assessed for Suicidal Ideation by the Crisis Team; Over the age of 18.
Exclusion: Active psychosis or carry a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder mixed, or bipolar disorder with a history of psychotic episodes; Current substance use disorder or significant history of substance abuse; Unstable vital signs, including moderate or severe hypertension that is not controlled with medication; History of an adverse reaction to ketamine or esketamine; Any condition that, in the clinical opinion of the investigator, impairs capacity to provide informed consent (including but not limited to: seizure disorders, psychiatric conditions, neurological conditions, intellectual disabilities, neurodegenerative disorders, renal impairment, hepatic impairment, bleeding disorders, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, or recent history of stroke, aneurysm, or malignancy); Any condition that, in the clinical opinion of the investigator contraindicates intramuscular injections (including but not limited to: current medications, current or recent infection, neuromuscular conditions, skin conditions, bleeding disorders, cardiovascular disease, ror recent myocardial infarction); Any condition that, in the clinical opinion of the investigator that contraindicates ketamine (including but not limited to: seizure disorders, psychiatric conditions, neurological conditions, intellectual disabilities, neurodegenerative disorders, renal impairment, hepatic impairment, bleeding disorders, cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, or recent history of stroke, aneurysm, or malignancy); Patients under the age of 18; Pregnant individuals (Individuals of child-bearing potential will be given a pregnancy test); Individuals whose current ED visit was due to a suicide attempt defined by "actual attempt" on the C-SSRS and which resulted in a score greater than zero on the Lethality/Potential Lethality/Medical Damage C-SSRS questions; Pregnant individuals; Individuals who were participants in the Dosing Cohort.