Studies performed by a Yale University medical team have indicated that the drug ketamine. may be a strong antidepressant. Ketamine, which is known for it’s recreational use, especially in the 90′s, as Special K, has been shown to restore connections between brain cells damaged by stress. Ronald Duman, the author of the Yale University study says that the drug can work very rapidly, and can have lasting affects for up to 10 day on clinically depressed individuals.

The drug was discovered by Dr. Craig Newlands in 1962, and used as a general anesthetic in children. Because of it’s ability to cause hallucinations, in the 1990′s Ketamine, under the street name, Special K, became popular for use at raves and parties. In 1999, the continued increase in recreational use caused the government to add the drug to Schedule III of the United States Controlled Substance Act.

The findings of this study will hopefully speed up the development of an easy to administer drug to treat people dealing with extreme depression.