Ketamine Research
Investigating the Mechanisms of Action of Ketamine in Depression
The role of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy on epigenetic regulation
The research emphasizes the pressing need for in-depth investigation into the relationship between early-life social stress, genetic variations, and epigenetic mechanisms. This understanding is crucial for unraveling the complexities of mental health disorders like depression. Moreover, the urgent exploration of ketamine's potential therapeutic effects on serotonin genes, brain signaling, and epigenetics underscores the critical importance of advancing research in this field. These combined efforts offer promising avenues for developing more targeted and effective treatments for major depressive disorder and related conditions.
The study under supervision of Dr. Monnica T Williams plans to collect the data from patients with a diagnosis of MDD undergoing ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) at the Canadian Centre for Psychedelic Healing (CCPH) in Ottawa or the Behavioral Wellness Clinic (BWC) on the uOttawa campus (Dr. Monnica Williams' lab/clinic).
As such, this study:
- Investigate the role of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) on epigenetic regulation
- Explore the relationship between methylation in genes and therapy for MDD,
- Explore these specific gene polymorphism variations with neuroticism (anxiety) trait and childhood trauma connectivity.
This study will use buccal swabs to test methylation state and genotypes. Buccal swabs will be used to collect DNA from the inner cheek and will be collected from participants before and after ketamine exposure timepoints to assess methylation states, and genomic DNA will be extracted samples. Participants will be asked to fill out three questionnaires before and after KAP. The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R), and The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ).
Related Publications
Nepton, A., Farahani, H., Williams, M., Booij, L. & Faber, S. (2024). Ketamine and epigenetic processes in depression, intersection between serotonergic and glutaminergic pathways. Journal of Psychedelic Studies, 8(1), 28-42. https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2024.00343
Cornfield, M., McBride, S., Zalewa, D., La Torre, J., Gallo, J., Mahammadli, M., & Williams, M. T. (in press). Exploring effects and experiences of ketamine in group couples therapy. Journal of Psychedelic Studies. https://doi.org/10.1556/2054.2024.00302
Michaels, T. I., Lester, L., de la Salle, S., & Williams, M. T. (2022). Ethnoracial inclusion in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials of ketamine in the treatment of mood disorders. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 83(4), 596–607.
Halstead, M., Reed, S., Krause, R., & Williams, M. T. (2021). Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD related to experiences of racial discrimination. Clinical Case Studies, 20(4), 310-330.
Williams, M. T., Reed, S., & Aggarwal, R. (2020). Culturally-informed research design issues in a study for MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Psychedelic Studies, 4(1), 40–50. doi: 10.1556/2054.2019.016
Do you struggle with depression?
Are you considering ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for your symptoms?
If so, you may be eligible to participate in a research study to help scientists at the University of Ottawa understand how genes play a role in different mood states.
We are currently recruiting participants for a study focused on the benefits of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) for people struggling with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The study, Arghavan Nepton’s doctoral thesis research conducted under the supervision of Dr. Monnica Williams, will involve collecting data from patients with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) who want to receive ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) at the Canadian Centre for Psychedelic Healing (CCPH) in Ottawa or the Behavioral Wellness Clinic (BWC) on the uOttawa campus. As such, this study will: (1) Investigate the role of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) on epigenetic regulation, (2) explore the relationship between changes in genes associated with therapy for MDD, and (3) explore gene variations and anxious traits among those with childhood adversity.
Call or email us if you are interested in participating. We will send you an information sheet about the project and then we can talk more if you think you might like to participate.
What is Involved?
Participants will be asked to fill out three questionnaires at various points during treatment and provide saliva samples. To acknowledge participant efforts, each participant will be paid CAD $75 in the form of an Amazon gift card for each time we collect this data.
Contact Us
Email: Arghavan.Nepton@uottawa.ca (Project Coordinator)
Phone: 873 288 4853
Ethics approval: uOttawa REB approved Consent form (pdf)
More information about Ketamine-Assisted Therapy