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Peer-reviewed articleOpen access

Anhedonia nonresponse to short-term ketamine administration for treatment-resistant bipolar depression.

Kachlik ZiD, Cubała WJiD, Walaszek MiD, Pastuszak M, Pastuszak KiD, Kwaśny AiD

Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacologyJan 31, 2026License: open accessPoland0 citationsDOI: 10.1177/20451253251412629

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>Anhedonia is a key symptom of bipolar depression and a target of ketamine's rapid antidepressant effects. However, many patients with treatment-resistant bipolar depression (TRBD) do not respond.<h4>Objectives</h4>This study aimed to identify clinical and sociodemographic characteristics that are associated with nonresponse of anhedonia following short-term ketamine treatment in TRBD.<h4>Design</h4>A retrospective analysis using data from two naturalistic, observational registries of 31 patients with TRBD and baseline anhedonia (Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) > 2). Patients received eight doses of ketamine (IV: 0.5 mg/kg; oral: 2.0-2.5 mg/kg) over a short-term treatment course.<h4>Methods</h4>Patients were classified as responders or nonresponders based on a ⩾50% reduction in SHAPS score by the seventh ketamine dose. Groups were compared on baseline sociodemographic and clinical features.<h4>Results</h4>Fourteen patients (45.2%) did not respond. Nonresponders had higher BMI, later illness onset, fewer hypomanic episodes, and lower employment rates.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Metabolic, illness-course, and psychosocial factors may predict reduced anti-anhedonic response to ketamine in TRBD.

Topics & conditions

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KetamineDepression

Keywords

PsychopharmacologyAnhedoniaBipolar DepressionTreatment-resistant Bipolar Depression

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