The Multidisciplinary Role of the Anesthesiologist in Ketamine Administration for Treatment Resistant Depression

Abstract

This article addresses treatment-resistant depression (TRD) as one of the main contemporary challenges in psychiatry, highlighting the need for innovative and safe therapeutic approaches. The study aims to analyze the multidisciplinary role of the anesthesiologist in the administration of subanesthetic doses of ketamine, a drug that has demonstrated rapid and clinically relevant antidepressant effects in patients refractory to conventional therapies. The research is based on a theoretical and documentary analysis and a review of the scientific evidence available up to 2021, exploring clinical, ethical, and technical aspects of ketamine therapy. The implications of the need for rigorous monitoring, a controlled administration environment, and collaboration between psychiatrists and anesthesiologists are discussed as essential elements to ensure efficacy and patient safety. The results of the analysis indicate that the involvement of anesthesiologists improves the quality of care by integrating pharmacological knowledge and advanced safety practices. However, ethical and regulatory challenges persist regarding the standardization of protocols and the formation of interdisciplinary teams. We conclude that the use of ketamine under anesthetic supervision represents a promising frontier in the treatment of TRD, combining scientific innovation and clinical responsibility. This integration between anesthesiology and psychiatry represents an emerging model of collaborative practice, with potential impact on treatment effectiveness and patient safety.