Ketamine-assisted meaning-centered psychotherapy for a patient with severe suicidal behavior.
There is a current debate in society as to whether depression can be a terminal illness. Meaning-centered psychotherapy (MCP) and psychedelic medicines have both been shown to treat existential distress in palliative care settings. We are reporting the case of a patient for whom MCP combined with ketamine was an effective treatment for his recurrent and severe depressive disorder with suicidal ideation. His complex assessment and management of suicide (CAMS) scores improved significantly with this treatment modality. Ketamine is generally well tolerated and can enhance treatment outcomes in patients undergoing MCP.