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Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Gateway to Novel Treatment Approaches

Barbara J. Limandri

Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services October 1, 2018 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20180920-02 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Review Peer reviewed
Topics Depression Esketamine Ketamine
Key findings The article reviews novel pharmacological approaches to treatment-resistant depression, including NMDA glutamate receptor antagonists and other receptor agonists and antagonists beyond serotonin and norepinephrine, in the context of the limited efficacy and delayed effects of monoamine-based medications.

Abstract

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a disabling and demoralizing phenomenon for patients and clinicians. For many years, treatment for depression has relied on the monoamine theory, with medications limited in efficacy and requiring prolonged use before any therapeutic effects are evident. The current article reviews novel approaches to pharmacological treatment of TRD, including N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor antagonists and other receptor agonists and antagonists beyond serotonin and norepinephrine. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56 (10), 11–14.]