This study is designed to examine SV2A density in MDD and PTSD as a correlate of synaptic
density, and to determine whether ketamine administration will reverse the synaptic loss in
vivo in human subjects. To our knowledge, this is the first human study to examine SV2A in
vivo in MDD and PTSD and to use the first known drug (ketamine) that rapidly reverses
synaptic loss to determine whether ketamine administration could restore some of the
structural changes associated with depression and PTSD.
After a screening process to determine eligibility, all subjects will participate in an MRI,
and 2-3 PET scans with the administration of ketamine for one of the scans. Cognitive testing
and a stress test may also be done on scan days.