Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Carolina Center for Neurostimulation, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
2 papers in the library · 6 citations · publishing 2025-2026
Nasal esketamine, a rapid-acting antidepressant, alters brain network activity by reducing top-down control and shifting the excitation/inhibition balance toward excitation. In eight individuals with major depressive disorder, EEG recordings before and up to 90 minutes after esketamine administration showed decreased frontoparietal alpha power and central beta power, along with increased frontal midline delta and low gamma power. The aperiodic exponent decreased, indicating cortical disinhibition. These neural changes correlated with increased subjective ratings of highness and happiness and decreased tension, linking the drug's neurophysiological effects to the immediate subjective experience.
Esketamine is an effective treatment for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, showing significant mood improvements shortly after administration. In a study of five participants with major depressive disorder, subjective feelings of 'Highness' increased by 31.73% and 'Happiness' by 22.75% within 15 minutes. A notable reduction in alpha power was observed, peaking at a decrease of 46.36% at 35 minutes post-administration. These changes correlate with mood fluctuations, suggesting dynamic brain network alterations during treatment.