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Sevoflurane augmentation in treatment-resistant depression: a clinical case study
Shikai Wang1, Shanfei Cheng2, Min Feng2
1National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, and Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology
|February 21, 2022
Summary
Sevoflurane, an inhaled anesthetic, shows promise for treating treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This case report found rapid, durable antidepressant effects and improved neurocognition with minimal side effects, suggesting further trials are warranted.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Sevoflurane is an inhaled anesthetic known for rapid onset/offset and a favorable safety profile.
- Its unique properties suggest potential utility beyond anesthesia, particularly in neurological and psychiatric conditions.
- Investigating novel treatments for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a critical unmet medical need.
Observation:
- A single patient with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) received sevoflurane treatment.
- The treatment was observed to be feasible and well-tolerated by the patient.
- No significant adverse effects were noted during the observation period.
Findings:
- Sevoflurane administration resulted in rapid and sustained antidepressant effects.
- The patient exhibited notable improvements in neurocognitive assessments following sevoflurane treatment.
- The overall safety profile of sevoflurane in this context was favorable, with few adverse events.
Implications:
- These preliminary findings suggest sevoflurane may offer a novel therapeutic option for TRD.
- Further clinical trials are necessary to establish the independent efficacy and safety of sevoflurane for depression.
- Sevoflurane's potential neurocognitive benefits warrant further investigation in psychiatric populations.
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