Pilot Study of Ketamine in Adults With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Clinical Trial

Official title: Understanding the Glutamate System in Adults With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder With N-methyl-D Aspartate Antagonist Ketamine

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

In this study investigators are studying the effects of a drug called ketamine on the symptoms of Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Clinical Trial Description

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common psychiatric illness that affects up to 2-3% of the population. People with OCD experience anxiety-provoking, intrusive thoughts, known as obsessions, and feel compelled to perform repetitive behaviors, or compulsions. The only medications proven effective for OCD are serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), but even with SRI treatment, most patients continue to experience significant OCD symptoms, impaired functioning, and diminished quality of life. Recent evidence suggest that a different neurotransmitter, glutamate, may contribute to the symptoms in OCD. Medications that target glutamate hold promise for ameliorating symptoms for those patients continuing to suffer from OCD. In this study the investigators are recruiting patients to receive the drug ketamine, which is thought to modulate the neurotransmitter glutamate through the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), in a 2-week placebo controlled study. ;

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Investigator)

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Compulsive Behavior
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

• NCT number: NCT01100255
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: New York State Psychiatric Institute
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 2
• Start date: April 2010
• Completion date: December 2015