The Impact of AMPA Receptor Blockade on Ketamine's Anti-Suicidal Effects
Recruiting · West Haven, Connecticut
Always free
Study care at no cost to you
For your time and travel
Many studies pay you back
Most need no insurance or papers
Legal status usually isn't required; we'll tell you each study's requirements
Interpreters available
Ask for your language
Your choice
Voluntary — you can stop anytime
What is this study?
The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that the anti-depressant and anti-suicidal effects of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist Ketamine is critically dependent on stimulation of Alpha-Amino-3-Hydroxy-5-Methyl-4-Isoxazole Propionic Acid receptors (AMPAR).
It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.
Read the full clinical description
The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that the anti-depressant and anti-suicidal effects of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist Ketamine is critically dependent on stimulation of Alpha-Amino-3-Hydroxy-5-Methyl-4-Isoxazole Propionic Acid receptors (AMPAR).
Who this study is looking for
In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.
✅ You may be able to join if…
- •You have current depression with a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) score higher than 17, and a current major depressive episode confirmed by a structured interview (SCID-5).
- •You have current suicidal thoughts based on HDRS-17 Item #3 (“wishes to be dead” or thoughts of possible death to self) scoring 2 or higher.
- •Your depression symptoms have not improved enough after one or more adequate antidepressant trials.
- •You meet DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or bipolar disorder based on SCID-5.
- •You can read and write English and have at least a 12th-grade education level or equivalent.
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- •In the past 3 months, you had a high score on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale in the “intent” or “intent with plan” categories, or the study doctors think you are at serious risk for suicide.
- •You were hospitalized for psychiatric reasons in the past 2 months, or you had a suicide attempt in the past 2 months.
- •You have a neurological disorder other than migraine headaches or mild head injury (with details of how mild head injury is defined).
- •You are currently receiving ketamine treatment, or you tried ketamine before and it did not help.
- •You have certain recent medication or treatment patterns (for example, topiramate, memantine, or barbiturates within 2 weeks; daytime benzodiazepines; monoamine oxidase inhibitors within 4 weeks; or vagal nerve stimulation/ECT/deep brain stimulation within 2 weeks).
Are you a good fit?
Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.
- ✓Adults roughly 21–65
- ✓Have Depression
- !Some conditions may not be a fit: High blood pressure
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Usually a few weeks
The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.
- 2
Treatment
If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.
- 3
Follow-up
After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.
Has this treatment been tested before?
Yes. This treatment has already been through earlier human studies for safety before reaching this stage.
What you need to know before you apply
What is this study testing?+
The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that the anti-depressant and anti-suicidal effects of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist Ketamine is critically dependent on stimulation of Alpha-Amino-3-Hydroxy-5-Methyl-4-Isoxazole Propionic Acid receptors (AMPAR).
Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+
This is a mid-stage study (Phase 2), looking at safety and whether the treatment works. Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.
Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+
Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications?+
It depends on the study. Some let you stay on your current medications and some ask you to adjust them. Never stop a medication on your own — the study team will review everything with you first.
Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+
The study treatment and study-related visits are provided at no cost to you. Some studies also pay for your time; the coordinator can tell you if this one does. You should never be asked to pay to take part.
Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+
No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.
What if English isn't my first language?+
You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.
Is my information private?+
Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT05786066 · Locations: Connecticut