Ketamine can cut depression, suicidality rapidly: Study
New York, April 16: Recreational drug Ketamine is likely to have fast-acting benefits in treating symptoms of depression as well as reducing suicidal thoughts, say researchers, including one of an Indian-origin.
The findings of the trial, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, showed use of Ketamine, also licensed as an anaesthetic, through a nasal spray, led to significant improvements in depressive symptoms and reduction in suicidal thoughts in the first 24 hours.
Esketamine could be an important treatment to bridge the gap as it can help in the rapid treatment compared to the delayed effects of most common antidepressants, which take four to six weeks to become fully effective, said Jaskaran B. Singh, from the Janssen Research & Development in San Diego, US.
The results support nasal spray esketamine as a possible effective rapid treatment for depressive symptoms in patients assessed to be at imminent risk for suicide, the researchers noted.
For the study, a small group of participants randomly assigned to one of two groups - either receiving esketamine or placebo twice a week for four weeks, and found a significant improvement in depression scores and decreased suicidal ideation in the esketamine group compared to the placebo group at four hours and at 24 hours.
However, at 25 days, the effects had levelled out.
While there esketamine dependence or misuse was not observed in the trial, the researchers suggested for effective controls on the distribution and use of ketamine.
They argued that steps to control the use of ketamine would not be aimed at preventing its use for beneficial purposes but would allow for treatment to "continue to be available to those with need, while the population that is at-risk for abuse is protected from an epidemic of misuse."
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Spirit of Aurangzeb entered Cong leaders' bodies, they want to levy Jizya-like tax: UP CM Adityanath
Saran (Bihar), May 17: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said the spirit of Aurangzeb has entered bodies of Congress leaders and they want to levy tax on the lines of Jizya imposed on non-Muslims during the Mughal king’s era.
Addressing an election rally in favour of BJP leader and NDA nominee Rajiv Pratap Rudy in Saran Lok Sabha seat, Adityanath alleged that the opposition INDIA block is preparing to impose inheritance tax on people if it comes to power.
“The spirit of Aurangzeb has entered the bodies of Congress leaders. That is the reason they are preparing to impose inheritance tax which is similar to Jizya levied on the Hindus during Aurangzeb's rule,” the BJP leader said.
Describing the Congress's alleged inheritance tax plan as “dangerous”, he claimed it will snatch away the assets and rights of people.
“It is part of the Congress’ politics of appeasement. They also want to provide reservations on the basis of religion to benefit Muslims only. The Congress and RJD are trying to rob SCs, STs and OBCs of quotas and divert those to Muslims,” Adityanath said.
Without mentioning Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar by name, he said those singing paeans for Pakistan should not live in India.
"They are a burden on this country… they must go there and beg,” the UP chief minister said.
Aiyar in an interview said it is important to respect Pakistan as it is a sovereign nation and has ‘nuclear bombs’. BJP leaders of late have been mentioning this comment to attack Congress, though Aiyar said the interview was old.
Urging people in Bihar to vote for the NDA only, Yogi said, “The RJD has become a problem like its ally Congress which we tackled effectively in UP reducing their strength to just two in the assembly and in the Lok Sabha polls, they will not be able to open the account”.
Attacking the Samajwadi Party without naming it, the BJP leader said, “Like the RJD here, we had a family ruling the roost in UP unleashing goonda-raj in the state. We put an end to this.”
The people of Bihar should ensure that RJD is defeated in this electoral battle, he said adding that vote for the NDA will put an end to “goonda raj”.
"When the Central government under the leadership of (PM Narendra) Modi Ji is focusing on digital India, RJD leaders are talking about lantern (RJD’s party symbol). Lalu Prasad ji can't think beyond his family,” he said.
Adityanath claimed that there is neither curfew nor riot in UP since criminals there are either in jail or rotting in hell.
“People of Bihar must ensure a third term to Modi Ji for Viksit Bharat and developed Bihar,” he said.
The UP CM alleged that the Congress and RJD used to question the existence of Lord Ram.
“The ongoing elections are a choice between Ram bhakts and Ram drohis. Jo Ram ko laaye hain, hum unko laayenge (We will bring those to power who brought Ram Lala to Ayodhya temple)", he said.
Saran is witnessing a contest between BJP veteran Rajiv Pratap Rudy and RJD’s Rohini Acharya, daughter of Lalu Prasad. Saran will go to polls in the fifth phase on May 20.
