Esketamine is emerging as a promising treatment for severe, treatment-resistant depression, especially in patients who have not responded to traditional antidepressants.
Esketamine, derived from ketamine, is gaining attention as a treatment option for severe depression that does not respond to conventional therapies. Traditionally used as an anesthetic, ketamine has been utilized for medical purposes for 50 years, and its derivative, esketamine, is now available in a nasal spray form. This treatment is specifically indicated for severe, treatment-resistant depression, and is only recommended after a thorough medical and psychological evaluation.
According to Andreas Reif, head of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at Frankfurt University Hospital in Germany, esketamine should be considered only after a patient has tried at least two different types of traditional antidepressants without success. The use of this medication is typically part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include psychotherapy. In some cases, esketamine may be employed as a short-term emergency treatment, providing a rapid response in critical situations.
Overall, the introduction of esketamine represents a significant shift in the approach to treating complex cases of depression, particularly among adolescents who have not benefited from existing treatments. Its effectiveness raises hopes for better management of treatment-resistant depression and highlights the need for continued research into innovative therapies.
