Spontaneous Remission of Ketamine Withdrawal-Related Depression.

Ketamine, an antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, has a rapid antidepressant effect, and its withdrawal may induce depression. However, the duration of depression and possibility of spontaneous remission remain unclear. We describe a male patient with ketamine dependence who developed depressive and anxiety symptoms soon after ketamine withdrawal. His mood symptoms remitted without medication after 1 month. This case suggests that clinicians should be aware that patients receiving ketamine may experience withdrawal symptoms, including depression and anxiety. Further research is required to elucidate the natural course of depression after ketamine withdrawal.