Patient Experience with Intranasal Esketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: Insights from a Multicentric Italian Study (REAL-ESKperience)
Journal of Personalized Medicine April 1, 2025 Marco Di, M. Pepe, G. D’andrea et al. 18 citations
Most patients with treatment-resistant depression reported positive experiences with esketamine nasal spray. In a survey of 236 outpatients, 88.4% reported enhanced quality of life. Satisfaction levels varied: 10.2% were unsatisfied, 19.1% partially satisfied, 44.4% satisfied, and 26.3% very satisfied. The most satisfied patients noted early improvements in depressed mood, suicidal thoughts, and restlessness, and reported functional gains across all domains. Artificial intelligence analysis of open-ended responses identified themes of personal growth and a desire for tailored treatment settings. Integrating patient-reported experiences may help personalize care and improve adherence.