Evolving Management Strategies for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Dr Angelos Halaris provides clarity to the definition of treatment-resistant depression and suggests what may contribute to high prevalence rates.

The rationale for treating treatment-resistant depression and other psychiatric conditions with off-label intravenous ketamine.

An overview of what is currently recommended by the APA guidelines for the management of treatment-resistant depression, with insight regarding topics that need to be revisited and addressed further to help standardize care for patients.

A description regarding the mechanism of action of intranasal esketamine, a newer therapy for treatment-resistant depression, and current opportunities for use over other treatment options.

Criteria that can be used to help determine who may or may not be appropriate for intranasal esketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression.

Strategies that can be used to monitor patients on intranasal esketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression, with special considerations surrounding blood pressure management.

Practical experience regarding the timing and response to intranasal esketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression.

The purpose and impact of the REMS program established to support the integration of intranasal esketamine into clinics that manage treatment-resistant depression.

Best practices that can be applied when working with patients and training staff on proper ways to administer intranasal esketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression in a supervised medical setting.

Requirements that healthcare clinics must satisfy to become a certified treatment center permitted to administer intranasal esketamine to patients with treatment-resistant depression.

Additional variables that require consideration if treating appropriate patients with treatment-resistant depression with intranasal esketamine within certified treatment facilities.

Recommendations that can help clinicians navigate through the reimbursement process and best support patients who receive intranasal esketamine for treatment-resistant depression.

The appropriateness for initiating psychotherapy, either alone or in combination with other therapies, as frontline treatment for depression.

Dr Patricia Ares-Romero highlights the traditional classes of antidepressant therapies available, reacts to common treatment-related adverse events, and describes when each type of therapy is most appropriate within a patient’s treatment course.

Insight regarding proper timing to initiate electroconvulsive therapy to help manage depression.

Closing thoughts regarding a discussion on improving the management of patients with treatment-resistant depression using newer treatment approaches in a more standardized fashion.