Safety and effectiveness of intranasal esketamine for treatment-resistant depression: a real-world retrospective study

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> There is limited real-world evidence for patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) receiving esketamine nasal spray. <b>Methods:</b> This retrospective cohort study used data collected from a psychiatric clinic's EHR system. <b>Results:</b> A total of 171 TRD patients received esketamine July 2019-June 2021. This predominantly female, white population had several mental health comorbidities and high exposure to psychiatric medications. We observed significant reductions (p < 0.001) in average PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores from baseline (PHQ-9: mean: 16.7; SD: 5.8; GAD-7: mean: 12.0; SD: 5.8) to last available treatment (PHQ-9: mean: 12.0; SD: 6.4; GAD-7: mean: 8.7; SD: 5.6). There were no reports of serious adverse events. <b>Conclusion:</b> This study found a significant disease burden for patients with TRD. Esketamine appears to be well tolerated and effective in improving depression and anxiety.