[cpncrunch]

It hasn't "been known", as there have never been any RCTs (and this is just a very small open-label trial). So we still have no idea whether or not this drug is actually of any use for PTSD or depression. We certainly can't that it "banishes PTSD" like the overhyped headline here says.

I remember all the studies on Ketamine that were posted to the front page of HN, and then we finally had a proper RCT which showed that, while ketamine was very effective in treating depression, the placebo was equally effective. Essentially it was hope that was resulting in the remission [1].

[1] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=37948938

[balfirevic]

> Essentially it was hope that was resulting in the remission

It might not be as clear cut as that: https://www.astralcodexten.com/p/does-anaesthesia-prove-keta...

[cpncrunch]

Yes, you're right, it's difficult to figure out what is actually having the effect here.

[varispeed]

It has been known.

The thing with trials is chicken and egg. Big pharma ensures certain drugs are illegal and scientists cannot or have limited ways to study them. Some corrupt government departments even only permit studies if they are going to find out that those drugs are bad.

It's quite a dissonance that people pretend they don't see. Like with cannabis. Millions of chronic pain sufferers say it helps them and then you can look at studies, you can cherry-pick plenty that say it's a placebo.

Let's face it. Scientists, politicians are all corrupt and honest ones can easily get cast out or made fall out of the window.

[throwup238]

> made fall out of the window.

The term you're looking for is defenestrated.

[at_compile_time]

One of my favorite words.

[zone411]

Umm, did you read about this study? It was widely criticized for a very good reason. They administered a dose of ketamine/placebo when the participants were in surgery and under general anesthesia. Not what's commonly done, and it tells us approximately nothing about its effects when administered normally.