The perspectives of patients with depression toward esketamine, and the influence of their medication adherence on their viewpoints: a Saudi cross-sectional study.
Frontiers in psychiatry – January 01, 2025
Source: PubMed
Summary
Surprisingly, over half of adults with depression in Saudi Arabia are open to trying esketamine, a novel treatment. This study explored patient perspectives and the role of medication adherence. Researchers surveyed 283 individuals, finding that while many preferred esketamine's less frequent dosing, concerns about cost and addiction were common. A significant finding was that improved medication adherence correlated with prior esketamine use and social support. The positive outlook on esketamine, despite high rates of non-adherence to current regimens, highlights the potential for new treatments when patient education and support are prioritized.
Abstract
Nasal esketamine has demonstrated efficacy in the management of treatment-resistant depression and psychiatric emergency due to major depression. This study investigates acceptance and awareness of esketamine as a depression treatment option, focusing on factors that influence patients' acceptance, including adherence to current medication regimens, regardless of prior esketamine exposure. This cross-sectional study surveyed 283 adults with depression using a questionnaire and the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS-10). 52.3% of participants were willing to receive esketamine, and 51.2% preferred its weekly or biweekly dosing over daily antidepressants; 79.5% reported cost as a potential barrier. Common concerns included medication unavailability (59.7%), fear of addiction (50.5%), anticipated stigma (24.4%), and first-month dosing frequency (21.2%). Regarding adherence, 77.4% were nonadherent to their current psychiatric medication regimen. Adherence to the current regimen was higher among patients with previous esketamine use (p <.001) and among those who had someone to stay with them during and after treatment (p = .047). Patients are open to esketamine but have concerns that must be addressed. It also highlights non-adherence as a significant issue in patients with depression. These findings highlight the importance of patients' education, family involvement, and logistical supports.