A systematic review of the incidence of medical serious adverse events in sub-anesthetic ketamine treatment of psychiatric disorders.

Background: Limited published data exists that collates serious adverse outcomes involving ketamine as a psychiatric intervention. This systematic review assesses the reported incidence of medical serious adverse events (MSAEs), including but not limited to cardiovascular events, in patients receiving sub-anesthetic doses of ketamine for psychiatric disorders to guide practitioners during treatment planning, risk-benefit analyses, and the informed consent process.

Methods: Pubmed database was searched for clinical trials of sub-anesthetic ketamine for psychiatric disorders in non-pregnant adult patients.

PTSD and Trauma as Mitigating Factors in Sentencing in Capital Cases.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is commonly used as a mitigating sentencing factor, although how successfully it is used varies. In cases involving the death penalty, use of a PTSD diagnosis as a sentencing mitigating factor has been considered in the postconviction appeals process. This article analyzes a decade of American federal appellate case law regarding postconviction claims of ineffective assistance of counsel by capital defendants in regard to investigating and litigating trauma and PTSD.

Practical Steps Towards Identifying and Assisting Victims of Domestic Violence.

Domestic violence is prevalent among psychiatric patients; however, utilization of screening, safety, and legal interventions is low among mental health practitioners. In this column, the authors review interventions that can assist with the identification of victims of domestic violence in daily practice and provide an overview of steps that can be taken to aid these victims and reduce the chance of future violence.

Homicidal Ideation and Individuals on the Autism Spectrum.

Interest in the relationship between autism and violence has increased in recent years; however, no link has clearly been established between them. Researchers remain curious if autistic people with certain traits (e.g.

Extreme Risk Protection Orders to Reduce Firearm Violence.

Many states have adopted risk-based, preemptive gun removal laws to reduce gun violence. In this column, the authors describe the general structure of these laws, consider arguments for and against them, and briefly review the evidence regarding their impact. As psychiatrists in a state that recently implemented such a law, the authors consider the possible impact of the law on their practice and the well-being of their patients and the public, including the possibility that they and other Oregon psychiatrists could be held liable for failing to address the topic of gun seizure with a patient's family.