Novel Treatments in Pediatric Psychiatry: A Review on the Therapeutic Potential of Ketamine and Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression, Mood Disorders, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Hematillake N. [2] ,
- Hughes B. [2] ,
- Khan R. [2] ,
- Mirza S. [2] ,
- Paredes R. [2] ,
- Ponamala M. [2] ,
- Sagaser J. [2] ,
- Tailor C. [2] and
- Dr. Pemminati S. [1]
Repository
Description
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted a growing mental health crisis in pediatric populations, especially regarding treatment-resistant depression (TRD), mood disorders, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, has shown rapid antidepressant effects by acting as an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist and modulating glutamate signaling. Psilocybin, a serotonergic psychedelic acting on 5-HT2A receptors, promotes neuroplasticity and emotional processing, offering new hope in refractory psychiatric conditions. Both substances show promise in pediatric psychiatric care, especially for patients unresponsive to conventional treatments like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or psychotherapy.
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Safety, ethical concerns, and long-term impact on the developing brain remain key barriers to widespread clinical adoption in pediatrics.
Affiliations
- California Health Sciences University
- California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine