Patient-centred education for ketamine and esketamine therapies in mood disorders.
Zofia Kachlik, Wiesław Jerzy Cubała, Michał Walaszek
Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology January 1, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1177/20451253261456405 via PubMed
Summary
Ketamine and esketamine are emerging treatments for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and bipolar depression (TRBD), offering rapid antidepressant effects but differing from traditional antidepressants in several ways. This narrative review highlights the need for effective patient education regarding these therapies, covering topics such as treatment indications, mechanisms, adverse effects, and substance misuse. It proposes a patient-centered framework for psychoeducation to enhance patient experience and support the integration of these treatments into care.
Study at a glance
| Design | narrative review |
|---|---|
| Key finding | The review proposes a patient-centered framework for ketamine and esketamine psychoeducation to improve patient experience and support responsible treatment integration. |
Abstract
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and bipolar depression (TRBD) are severe, heterogeneous mood disorders associated with substantial functional impairment, elevated suicide risk and persistent unmet treatment needs. While pharmacological and psychological interventions continue to advance, many patients experience delayed, partial or unsustained benefit, underscoring the need for therapies with novel mechanisms and rapid onset of action. Ketamine and esketamine have emerged as distinctive treatments in this context, demonstrating rapid antidepressant and anti-suicidal effects, yet differing fundamentally from conventional antidepressants in their acute subjective effects, physiological profile, delivery models and misuse potential. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from regulatory guidance, clinical trials, observational studies and qualitative research to identify key patient information needs and propose practical psychoeducational strategies. Core elements include explanations of indications, mechanisms and treatment algorithms; guidance on visit preparation, scheduling and monitoring; management of acute adverse effects; counselling on suicidality and substance misuse; and tailored considerations for special populations, including older adults, women of reproductive potential and medically complex patients. Drawing on this synthesis, the review proposes a patient-centred framework for ketamine and esketamine psychoeducation, outlining key informational domains and practical tools that can be embedded within clinical services, and identifies priorities for future research aimed at optimizing patient experience and supporting the responsible integration of ketamine-based therapies into mood disorder care.