Esketamine and Quality of Life Improvement in Treatment-Resistant Depression Patients: A Real-World Clinical Study

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a common phenomenon and a considerable clinical challenge; recently, esketamine in conjunction with an oral antidepressant (AD) has emerged as a potential treatment for TRD. Several studies have shown the efficacy of esketamine in improving depressive symptoms. This prospective study aims to explore the long-term effects of esketamine therapy on subjective quality of life (QoL) and general status of adults with TRD.

The study was an observational, prospective and multicenter study comprising a total of 18 TRD patients treated with Esketamine-Nasal Spray ESK-NS. Anamnestic data and psychometric assessments were collected at baseline (T0) and at follow-ups at 1 month (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months (T3).

Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q-SF), Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), and Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP) showed a statistically significant amelioration in QoL and functioning for all 3 scales, with progressive improvements at 1, 3, and 6 months. Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) scores decreased from a baseline score of 39.2 to 28.7 on T1, 20.9 on T2, and 15.9 on T3, respectively. Correlation analyses showed statistical significance between changes at 6 months between MADRS and QLES and between MADRS and SDS, but not between MADRS and PSP.

Significant improvement in QoL was observed among patients with TRD treated with ESK-NS; ESK-NS in combination with an oral AD appears to offer meaningful benefit as a treatment option for patients with TRD who generally have substantial QoL and functioning limitations as a result of their depressive illness.