E276 - PsychopharmaPearls: Choosing Ketamine Treatment with Dr. Lisa Harding

E276 - PsychopharmaPearls: Choosing Ketamine Treatment with Dr. Lisa Harding

Author: Neuroscience Education Institute February 25, 2026 Duration: 32:39

PsychopharmaPearls is NEI's focused podcast series highlighting the clinical insights that can sharpen your prescribing decisions. In this episode, Dr. Andy Cutler talks with Dr. Lisa Harding about how to choose between IV ketamine and intranasal esketamine for patients with difficult-to-treat depression. They unpack the differences that truly matter in practice—from patient selection and monitoring to access, cost, and common missteps. Tune in for practical pearls you can immediately apply to select the right treatment for the right patient. 

Lisa Harding, MD is a board-certified psychiatrist and nationally recognized depression specialist with deep expertise in interventional psychiatry. She has performed more than 4,000 procedures, including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), intravenous ketamine, intranasal esketamine, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Dr. Harding is known for her thoughtful approach to complex, treatment-resistant depression, integrating advanced somatic therapies, psychopharmacology, and psychotherapy. She serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. 

Andrew J. Cutler, MD is a leading psychiatrist, psychopharmacology expert, and clinical researcher with decades of experience in CNS drug development. As Chief Medical Officer of Neuroscience Education Institute and EMA Wellness, he brings frontline clinical insight together with deep knowledge of the evidence base. Dr. Cutler is widely recognized for translating research into practical guidance for everyday practice and serves as a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. 

Resources 

Sanacora G et al. A Consensus Statement on the Use of Ketamine in the Treatment of Mood Disorders. JAMA Psychiatry 2017;74(4):399-405. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2017.0080 

McIntyre RS et al. Synthesizing the Evidence for Ketamine and Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: An International Expert Opinion on the Available Evidence and Implementation. Am J Psychiatry 2021;178(5):383-399. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20081251 

 

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The NEI Podcast, from the Neuroscience Education Institute, moves beyond standard medical lectures to explore the nuanced realities of psychiatric practice. This series connects directly with the clinicians and researchers shaping modern thought, offering detailed conversations on psychopharmacology, emerging therapies, and the complex nature of neuropsychiatric diseases. You'll hear experts break down current challenges, from diagnosis to treatment strategies, in a format designed for deep understanding. It’s a resource built for those who care for the mind, providing continuing education that feels less like a requirement and more like a vital dialogue. The discussions naturally evolve from the latest evidence and clinical experience, ensuring each episode addresses the practical questions faced in daily practice. Tune in for a thoughtful examination of mental health science, where learning is woven into every conversation. This podcast serves as an ongoing forum for anyone dedicated to advancing their knowledge in psychiatry and neurology, emphasizing the critical connection between education and improved patient outcomes. The Neuroscience Education Institute grounds each session in its mission to elevate the standard of care through imaginative, high-level learning.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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