Novel rapid treatment options for adolescent depression.
Pharmacological research March 1, 2024 Sandra Ledesma-Corvi, Jordi Jornet-Plaza, Laura Gálvez-melero et al. 22 citations
Adolescent depression often requires faster-acting treatments than standard selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which take weeks to work. This review examines promising fast-acting options for adolescents, including non-pharmacological neuromodulation (electroconvulsive therapy and other brain stimulation) and pharmacological approaches such as ketamine, classical psychedelics, and cannabidiol. Most clinical evidence for these therapies comes from adult studies, but recent preclinical work is beginning to address sex-, age-, and dose-related differences that may affect efficacy and safety in adolescents. The authors call for more clinical studies and for designing novel treatments that are both safe and fast-acting for this age group.