Esketamine linked to remission across six TRD clinical trials
Mental Health Weekly June 12, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/mhw.34908 via OpenAlex
Summary
Reaching remission, not just partial improvement, from major depressive disorder lowers relapse risk and improves daily functioning, but this goal is especially difficult for patients with treatment-resistant depression, where repeated medication failures, comorbid conditions, and lingering symptoms complicate care. Data from the STAR*D trial show that by the third line of treatment, fewer than one in six patients achieved remission.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Clinical trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Patients with major depressive disorder, including those with treatment-resistant depression |
| Topics | Depression |
| Keywords | Clinical trial Depression economics Depressive symptoms First line |
| Key finding | By the third line of treatment, fewer than one in six patients with treatment-resistant depression achieved remission. |
Abstract
For many patients with major depressive disorder, reaching remission — not just partial response — can significantly alter the course of illness, lowering the risk of relapse and improving day‐to‐day functioning. Yet that goal remains elusive for those with treatment‐resistant depression (TRD), where repeated medication failures, comorbid conditions, and lingering symptoms complicate care. Data from the STAR*D trial highlights the challenge that by the third line of treatment, fewer than one in six patients achieved remission.