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Shared Decision-Making Music Therapy With Esketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Tanner Herb, Heeyoung Lee, Prabir Mullick, Joshua Palmer

The Journal for Nurse Practitioners August 10, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2026.105951 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Quality improvement project Peer reviewed
Sample size 10
Population Adults with treatment-resistant depression at a private psychiatric clinic
Interventions Esketamine Shared decision-making–guided music intervention
Duration 4 months
Measures Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, World Health Organization Quality of Life–BREF
Topics Depression Esketamine
Key points No significant overall changes in depressive symptoms or quality of life were observed, but health perception improved (P = .03). The authors suggest that individualized, shared decision-making–guided music intervention may enhance patient-centered care in treatment-resistant depression.

Abstract

This quality improvement project examined the impact of shared decision-making–guided music intervention integrated into esketamine treatment on depressive symptoms and quality of life in 10 adults with treatment-resistant depression at a private psychiatric clinic. Over 4 months, patients collaborated with their providers to select and listen to music during each session. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, and quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life–BREF. Although no significant changes were observed overall, health perception improved ( P = .03). Findings suggest that individualized, shared decision-making–guided music intervention may enhance patient-centered care in treatment-resistant depression.

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