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Amal Abdulkadir, Psy.D., is a 2026 graduate of the PsyD Program in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, Santa Barbara
Dissertation Committee:
- Stephen Southern, PhD, Chairperson
- Brett Kia-Keating, EdD, Co-Chairperson
- Remi Drozd, MD, Committee Member
Dr. Amal Abdulkadir
Keywords
treatment resistant depression, TRD, ketamine therapy, contraindications and side effects
Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Date
2026
Abstract
a systematic literature review the results of 29 published studies from 2020-2025 that met specified inclusion criteria. The review identified costs and benefits of traditional algorithms for treating this problem, as well as the trend in research to include the use of ketamine. Studies have demonstrated a potential association between the use of ketamine therapy and significant clinical improvement in depressive symptoms. However, the current efficacy of ketamine therapy compared to treatment as usual, side effects and contraindications have not been addressed. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA, https://aura.antioch.edu/, and OhioLINK ETD Center, https://etd.ohiolink.edu/
Recommended Citation
Abdulkadir, A. (2026). Systematic Review of Ketamine Therapy for Treatment Resistant Depression. https://aura.antioch.edu/etds/1327
Comments
ORCiD: 0009-0008-7504-7942
Bio:
Amal Abdulkadir is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Psy.D. candidate at Antioch University Santa Barbara. She provides clinical care to individuals with complex mood and trauma-related disorders, with particular emphasis on treatment-resistant depression and emerging somatic and neuromodulatory interventions, including ketamine, esketamine, and TMS. Her dissertation explores contemporary evidence surrounding ketamine therapy, aiming to inform safe and effective clinical practice. Amal’s work reflects her commitment to compassionate, research-informed treatment and the advancement of innovative approaches in mental health care.