Predictors and patterns of recreational ketamine use for self-treatment of mental illness in respondents of the Global Drug Survey 2020

Abstract

The Global Drug Survey (GDS) is an annual observational cross-sectional survey that collects data on recreational use of a vast array of substances. This study will be using data collected from the 2020 GDS relating to the recreational use of ketamine, specially when used to self-treat mental illness. In the past two decades, various studies have been conducted and an evidence base is emerging to support the use of ketamine for a novel psychiatric treatment option, primarily for depression and suicide ideation. In 2019, an esketamine hydrochloride nasal spray (Spravato ®) has been approved for use in treatment-resistant major depression, in conjunction with an antidepressant medication, by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Following this approval, both the European Commission (EC) and the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) have also approved Spravato ® for the same use, with the same provision that it be prescribed in conjunction with an oral antidepressant. With the emergence of clinical use of ketamine for treating mental illness, this study aims to utilise the GDS data to observe emerging trends within the sample of recreational ketamine users and to gain insight into those who may be using ketamine to self-treat their mental health conditions.

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