A Systematic Review on Ketamine and Esketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression and Suicidality in Adolescents: A New Hope?
Children (Basel, Switzerland) June 29, 2024 Simone Pardossi, Andrea Fagiolini, Simona Scheggi et al. 12 citations
Depression in adolescents is difficult to treat, especially when accompanied by suicidal thoughts or when it does not respond to standard treatments. Treatment-resistant depression affects up to 40% of adolescents with major depressive disorder and can severely impair development and quality of life. A review of existing research suggests that ketamine reduces depressive symptoms in adolescents with treatment-resistant depression, while esketamine reduces both depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. Both drugs show favorable safety and tolerability. Prompt treatment with these medications may lower suicide risk and create an opportunity for longer-term therapies, though more research is needed to optimize protocols and assess long-term effects.