Shared Decision-Making Music Therapy With Esketamine for 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.