European Psychiatry
June 1, 2026
Miriam Olivola, V. Martiadis, Kevin la Monica et al.
Introduction The role of dissociation in mediating antidepressant response to intranasal esketamine remains debated. While dissociative experiences are often observed during treatment, their predictive value for clinical outcomes is uncertain. Objectives We aimed to assess whether (i) baseline dissociative traits (DES-II) and (ii) early changes in dissociation (ΔDES T0→T2) predict short-term...
European Psychiatry
June 1, 2026
V. Casati, Kevin la Monica, Mauro Angeletti et al.
Introduction Intranasal esketamine has emerged as an innovative treatment for TRD due to its rapid antidepressant effects. However, the clinical response is heterogeneous, and growing evidence suggests that comorbid personality disorders (PDs) may significantly shape treatment outcomes. Although PDs are frequently diagnosed in TRD patients, little is known about their differential influence on...
European Psychiatry
June 1, 2026
Giada Versaci, Miriam Olivola, Kevin la Monica et al.
Introduction Esketamine-induced dissociation is a transient, pharmacologically mediated alteration in consciousness, often distinct from pathological dissociation. While not required for clinical improvement, these states may engage neural circuits implicated in therapeutic change. Objectives This study explores patients’ lived experiences of dissociation as potentially meaningful transitional...
European Psychiatry
June 1, 2026
Cristina Serritella, L. Iorio, F. Ferraiuolo et al.
Introduction Intranasal esketamine provides a rapid therapeutic option for treatment-resistant depression but can induce transient blood pressure increases. The influence of psychopathological traits on these cardiovascular responses remains largely unexplored. Objectives The present study aims to investigate the acute effects of intranasal esketamine on systolic and diastolic blood pressure as...
Journal of Psychopharmacology
June 2026
Vasilios G Masdrakis, Zoe Tebbs, Vasilios Natsis et al.
Ketamine and esketamine ("es/ketamine") treatment protocols have been investigated in patients' samples with treatment-refractory anxiety disorders. We systematically reviewed publications in which es/ketamine was used to treat anxiety symptoms in the context of either Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) anxiety disorders or treatment-resistant...
European Psychiatry
June 1, 2026
L. Mana, R. Lisbino, P. Pezzella et al.
Introduction Ketamine and esketamine exert rapid antidepressant and dissociative effects, and the growing clinical use of intranasal esketamine for depression opens the possibility of large-scale electroencephalography (EEG) studies to explore their mechanisms through a non-invasive approach. However, understanding the neurophysiological basis of these effects requires a clear synthesis of...
European Psychiatry
June 1, 2026
V. Martiadis, Fabiola Raffone, Serena Testa et al.
Introduction Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a severe condition associated with high suicide risk and limited response to conventional antidepressants. Intranasal esketamine has shown rapid efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. Objectives This observational study assessed the real-world effectiveness of esketamine in reducing suicidal ideation, self-harm...
European Psychiatry
June 1, 2026
O. Płaza, Robert Madejek, M. M. Dutsch-Wicherek et al.
Introduction Treatment-resistant depression (TRD), which affects about 30% of patients with major depressive disorder, emerges when patients do not respond adequately to at least two antidepressant trials of proper dose and duration. The EMA approved esketamine nasal spray, the first registered psychedelic medication, in 2019 for TRD treatment. In July 2023, Poland launched B.147, the country’s...
European Psychiatry
June 1, 2026
Nawfel Ayad, Samer Makhoul
Introduction Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) poses a significant clinical challenge, with limited evidence guiding long-term pharmacological strategies. Esketamine, a glutamatergic modulator, has demonstrated short-term efficacy in TRD, but data on its extended use in real-world settings remains scarce Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and tolerability of...
European Psychiatry
June 1, 2026
T. Sagues, A. Barnes, C. Fernández et al.
Introduction Intranasal esketamine has emerged as an innovative option for the management of treatment-resistant depression (TRD), offering a novel mechanism of action and rapid antidepressant effects. However, evidence regarding the clinical trajectory after treatment discontinuation remains limited, raising questions about the durability of its therapeutic benefits and the optimal maintenance...