(1245) Multi-Sensory Function and Ketamine Therapy in PTSD and Depression

Introduction: Olfactory dysfunction is associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Ketamine is increasingly used to treat these conditions and has significant effects on the olfactory system; however, its impact on olfactory function remains poorly understood. This study evaluated longitudinal multisensory changes, with a focus on olfactory function, in patients with PTSD and/or TRD undergoing intranasal ketamine therapy.

Methods: Adults diagnosed with PTSD and/or TRD were recruited from a tertiary care psychiatric clinic from 2025-2026. Participants reported psychiatric symptoms/severity via the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5) or Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for TRD. Olfactory function was assessed with 14 distinct scents with 4 available concentrations: 1X, 2X, 4X, and 8X. Vestibulo-ocular function was assessed with the RightEye system. Participants were assessed at the beginning of the study and subsequently at 4- and 8-weeks while receiving intranasal ketamine therapy. The primary outcome was olfactory composite score.

Results: 12 patients (10 female, 2 male; mean age 49.8 years) met inclusion criteria and completed baseline olfactory testing. At baseline, mean AROMA composite score was 80.1 ± 12.1. Paired nonparametric analyses demonstrated no statistically significant within-subject change in composite olfactory scores between baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Descriptive analysis of individual scent subscores demonstrated variable identification performance across odorants with the worst being ginger, lemon, and orange scents. Vestibulo-ocular testing showed no significant changes between baseline and 4-week follow-up.

Conclusions: Preliminary data demonstrate no overall change in olfactory or vestibulo-ocular function during ketamine therapy.