[Clinical management of treatment-resistant depression].
Bernhard T Baune, Sarah E Fromme, Maximilian Kiebs, René Hurlemann
Der Nervenarzt May 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-024-01647-z (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Esketamine psychedelics esmethadone dextromethorphan anti-inflammatory strategies |
| Topics | Depression |
| Keywords | Experimental treatment Glutamatergic system Off-label use Pharmacological therapy Psychedelics Depression treatment Antidepressant therapy Experimental psychiatry Glutamate research Psychedelic medicine |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Pharmacological approaches focusing on glutamatergic modulation or psychedelics are particularly important for developing fast-acting, well-tolerated treatments for treatment-resistant depression. |
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a complex disorder. Although no standardized definition has been established to date, there are promising and well-established treatment options for the condition. Looking at the current pharmacological and neuromodulatory strategies, there is an urgent need for fast-acting and well-tolerated treatment options. The search for new mechanisms of action goes beyond the monoamine hypothesis. For example, esketamine is already an established treatment method that is fast-acting and well tolerated, while psychedelics or esmethadone are currently still undergoing clinical trials. Compounds that can be used off-label, such as dextromethorphan or anti-inflammatory strategies are also presented. Pharmacological approaches that focus on the modulation of the glutamatergic system or belong to the class of psychedelics, appear to be of particular importance for current research and development. These particularly include substances that rapidly exert clinical effects and have a favorable side-effect profile.