Navigating Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder With Suicidal Ideation: Exploring the Efficacy of Spravato (Esketamine) in an 86-Year-Old Male.
Cureus December 1, 2024 Aarman P Jivraj, Katherine A Heimer, Christopher J Wukovits et al. 1 citation
An 86-year-old patient with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder and suicidal ideation was treated with intranasal esketamine (Spravato), representing one of the oldest documented cases. Under the supervision of a double board-certified adult and geriatric psychiatrist, the therapy led to positive treatment outcomes. The case highlights unique pharmacodynamic and clinical challenges in geriatric populations, including advanced age, comorbidities, and sensitivity to adverse effects. While most research focuses on people aged 65 and younger, this case contributes evidence on the safety and efficacy of intranasal esketamine for treatment-resistant depression in elderly patients and aims to inform future clinical guidelines.