The College has published an updated version of professional practice guideline 24: Use of ketamine in psychiatric practice.

Formally a clinical memoranda, professional practice guideline 24 was developed by the Section of Electroconvulsive Therapy and Neurostimulation Committee, approved by the Board after committee consultation, and subsequently published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry following peer review. 

This document aims to inform psychiatrists about the appropriate use of ketamine in psychiatric practice. Its purpose is to respond to the rapid increase in the use of ketamine in psychiatric practice, as well as an increased interest in the use of ketamine from consumers and other medical practitioners, and risks of poor practice.

Following the inclusion of eskatamine nasal spray for treatment-resistant major depression on the PBS, psychiatrists are encouraged to utilise the updated professional practice guideline to guide their practice.

Thanks are extended to all those who helped in developing these updated guidelines.

Please contact policy@ranzcp.org for further information or if you have any queries.