Psychiatrist Addressed Ketamine Regulation at Conference
Dr. Lisa Harding reviewed esketamine usage and clinical protocols during a recent talk in Jersey City.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Substance Abuse
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Psychiatrist Dr. Lisa Harding discussed the evolving landscape of ketamine and esketamine treatments at the 2026 Jersey City Psychiatry Conference. The presentation highlighted the strict regulatory environment and clinical requirements for administering these therapies for depression.
Why it matters
While esketamine is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation, its use remains underutilized due to logistical hurdles and clinical discomfort. Regulatory gaps persist because federal oversight does not extend to off-label prescribing for drugs originally classified as anesthetics.
Clinical screening procedures for esketamine result in approximately 30 of every 1000 patients receiving treatment. Facilities must maintain certification under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy to oversee dosage, which may be reduced from 84 mg to 56 mg for adverse effects.
The players
Lisa Harding
She is a psychiatrist who specializes in the clinical application and regulatory oversight of ketamine-based treatments.
The details
Clinicians must perform blood pressure checks throughout each session to ensure patient safety, as esketamine is a Schedule III substance. Treatment centers emphasize thorough patient preparation and rigorous screening to mitigate risks during the administration of the drug.
Timeline
Yale researchers described the antidepressant effect of ketamine in the 1990s.
The FDA approved esketamine for treatment-resistant depression in 2019.
The FDA approved esketamine for major depressive disorder with suicidality in 2020.
The FDA hosted a 2-day public meeting concerning ketamine usage in 2024.
Dr. Lisa Harding discussed the therapy at the Jersey City psychiatry conference in 2026.
Health Landscape
The clinical integration of esketamine follows the strict procedural requirements established by the FDA Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy for high-risk psychiatric interventions. This framework marks a departure from traditional drug administration by requiring specialized center certification for every dose provided to patients.
Patients seeking esketamine treatment can expect rigorous blood pressure monitoring and mandatory clinical screenings at certified facilities. These safety measures ensure that only eligible individuals receive the therapy while managing the potential side effects associated with the medication.
The takeaway
Patients interested in ketamine therapy should consult with certified clinicians to understand the specific screening requirements and safety protocols. Understanding these regulatory hurdles is essential for navigating the current medical options for treatment-resistant depression.
Further reading
Learn more about evolving treatment protocols in the Substance Abuse section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Psychiatrictimes.
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