Cureus. 2026 May 9;18(5):e108571. doi: 10.7759/cureus.108571. eCollection 2026 May.
ABSTRACT
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) remains a significant clinical concern, particularly in patients who do not achieve adequate response with conventional antidepressant therapies. Ketamine and esketamine, which act on glutamatergic pathways, have been introduced into clinical practice as alternative therapeutic approaches within interventional psychiatry. This narrative review outlines key aspects of ketamine and esketamine use in psychiatric settings, including proposed mechanisms of action, clinical use cases, methods of administration, safety profiles, and areas of ongoing discussion. Ketamine is generally administered intravenously in monitored clinical settings, while esketamine is available as an intranasal formulation used under supervision. Considerations related to tolerability and monitoring requirements are relevant in clinical use. Ketamine and esketamine represent a developing area in the treatment of TRD and highlight the broader emergence of interventional approaches in psychiatry. Additional research is warranted to further characterize long-term outcomes, refine treatment protocols, and better define patient selection criteria.
Ketamine and Esketamine in Neurology and Psychiatry: An Overview
AI Summary
Ketamine and esketamine offer glutamatergic-based, rapid-acting options for treatment-resistant depression, expanding interventional psychiatry.
Ketamine typically given intravenously in monitored settings; esketamine is supervised intranasal, both requiring tolerability and monitoring considerations.
Evidence supports short-term efficacy but further research needed on long-term outcomes, optimal protocols, and patient selection.
Cureus. 2026 May 9;18(5):e108571. doi: 10.7759/cureus.108571. eCollection 2026 May.
ABSTRACT
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) remains a significant clinical concern, particularly in patients who do not achieve adequate response with conventional antidepressant therapies. Ketamine and esketamine, which act on glutamatergic pathways, have been introduced into clinical practice as alternative therapeutic approaches within interventional psychiatry. This narrative review outlines key aspects of ketamine and esketamine use in psychiatric settings, including proposed mechanisms of action, clinical use cases, methods of administration, safety profiles, and areas of ongoing discussion. Ketamine is generally administered intravenously in monitored clinical settings, while esketamine is available as an intranasal formulation used under supervision. Considerations related to tolerability and monitoring requirements are relevant in clinical use. Ketamine and esketamine represent a developing area in the treatment of TRD and highlight the broader emergence of interventional approaches in psychiatry. Additional research is warranted to further characterize long-term outcomes, refine treatment protocols, and better define patient selection criteria.
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