Australian research into using the illicit party drug ketamine to treat depression ground to a halt this year despite similar overseas trials achieving international success, researchers have revealed.
University of New South Wales research officer Angelo Alonzo said that the Sydney-based study was suspended at the end of 2013 due to lack of funding.
Dr Veronica Galvez, one of the psychiatrists responsible for the early tests, said that researchers were currently unable to do more than analyse the initial data gathered in the first stages of the trial.
“Right now we’re waiting for more funding. We may not start trials again until the start of 2015.”
A UK study led by Oxford University this year found that weekly intravenous infusions of ketamine had a rapid antidepressant effect in almost a third of patients suffering from severe depression – even patients who had not responded to other treatments.
Although administered medically as an anaesthetic, ketamine is often used illegally as a party drug for its potent hallucinogenic effects.
These promising results came just days after the Australian Bureau of Statistics released figures showing that suicide remains the leading cause of death for young Australians.
beyondblue CEO Kate Carnell AO issued a statement calling the figures a national tragedy.
“If this many young and middle-aged people were dying in car accidents every day there would be a national uproar and major government inquiries and the problem would be addressed,” Ms Carnell said.
“But because it is suicide too often the problem is put in the too hard basket.”
RMIT University Senior Lecturer of Psychology Dr Keong Yap advocated a focus not just on medication, but on therapy.
“The important thing is prevention of relapse, rather than a ‘cure for depression’ per se.” Dr Yap said.
“Cognitive behaviour therapy has been very effective in treating moderate depression – it’s always better to focus on the underlying cause rather than looking for a band-aid solution.”
“That said, you need to make sure the patient is getting the right treatment for them. Lots of studies have shown that medication is very effective in a lot of cases – though there is a strong placebo effect at work there as well.”
The National Health and Medical Research Council, responsible for providing funding and grants for Australian medical research, could not be reached for comment.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
