In This Article
- Esketamine Treatment for Depression
- What Is Esketamine Treatment for Depression?
- Understanding Treatment-Resistant Depression
- When Might Esketamine Treatment for Depression Be Considered?
- Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment Pathways
- Receive care in a private, supportive environment
- What Happens During Esketamine Treatment?
- What Is a Treatment Session Like?
- Evidence-Based, Person-Centred Care
- Accessing Esketamine Treatment for Depression in Melbourne
- Taking the Next Step
Esketamine Treatment for Depression
Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment Pathways
If you have been living with depression and exploring what else might help, learning about treatment options can be an encouraging first step. You may have heard of esketamine treatment, also known by the brand name Spravato®. It is natural to have questions, especially if previous treatments have not brought the improvement you were hoping for. Esketamine is a prescription treatment that a psychiatrist may consider for some people after a careful clinical assessment.
This article offers a clear and supportive introduction to esketamine treatment for depression. It explains what treatment may involve, who it may be suitable for, and how inpatient and outpatient pathways can be considered with your treating team, so you can feel more informed when discussing your options.
What Is Esketamine Treatment for Depression?
Esketamine is a prescription medicine administered as a nasal spray under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals. Unlike standard antidepressant medications that are typically taken at home, esketamine treatment is delivered in a clinical setting where patients can be monitored throughout the process.
Esketamine is not intended to replace comprehensive mental health care. Rather, it may form part of a broader treatment plan developed by a psychiatrist and may be used alongside other treatments where clinically appropriate.
Because treatment is supervised, the healthcare team can support your safety, monitor your progress and provide care throughout the treatment journey.
Understanding Treatment-Resistant Depression
The term treatment-resistant depression can sound confronting, but it does not mean a person is resistant to treatment or has done anything wrong.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration describes treatment-resistant depression, for the approved use of Spravato®, as major depressive disorder in adults who have not responded adequately to at least two different antidepressants of adequate dose and duration for the current moderate to severe depressive episode. Whether this definition applies to an individual, and whether esketamine is appropriate, must be assessed by a psychiatrist.
When Might Esketamine Treatment for Depression Be Considered?
A psychiatrist may discuss esketamine treatment when depression continues to have a significant impact on daily life and previous treatment has not provided sufficient improvement.
The decision to consider esketamine is highly individual and may take into account:
- The nature and severity of symptoms.
- Previous treatment history.
- Current medications.
- Physical health considerations.
- Individual treatment goals and preferences.
- Safety and suitability factors.
These considerations do not determine suitability on their own. A comprehensive psychiatric assessment is required before any treatment recommendations can be made.
Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment Pathways
Esketamine treatment may be delivered through either an inpatient or outpatient pathway, depending on your clinical needs, support needs and individual circumstances.
Outpatient Treatment
For some people, treatment may be provided through an outpatient program. This allows treatment sessions to occur at the clinic while the person continues living at home. Sessions are delivered under clinical supervision, and patients remain onsite for observation following treatment before returning home.
Because treatment can temporarily affect alertness, patients are required to arrange transport home and should not drive until the following day.
Inpatient Treatment
In some situations, an inpatient admission may be recommended to provide additional support, monitoring and psychiatric care during treatment. An inpatient setting allows treatment to occur within a hospital environment where multidisciplinary support is available if required.
The most appropriate pathway is determined through clinical assessment and discussion with the treating psychiatrist.
Receive care in a private, supportive environment
Your surroundings can matter when you are experiencing mental health challenges.
Fullarton Clinic is a purpose-built private psychiatric hospital in Epping, in Melbourne’s north. It has been designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for mental health and addiction treatment.
Every inpatient has a private room with an ensuite, providing personal space for privacy, rest and reflection. The hospital also includes therapeutic and shared spaces, natural light and areas where you can spend quiet time.
Throughout your stay, you are treated with dignity, compassion and respect.
What Happens During Esketamine Treatment?
Esketamine treatment typically follows a structured process designed to support safety, monitoring and ongoing review.
A treatment journey may include:
- Referral from a GP or psychiatrist.
- Comprehensive psychiatric assessment.
- Determination of suitability for treatment.
- Commencement of supervised treatment sessions.
- Ongoing monitoring and review.
- Adjustment of treatment frequency based on clinical response.
Treatment is generally delivered more frequently in the initial stages before being reviewed and adjusted according to individual circumstances.
What Is a Treatment Session Like?
Esketamine is self-administered as a nasal spray under clinical supervision. Throughout the session, experienced staff monitor your wellbeing and provide support as needed.
Following treatment, you will remain onsite for a period of observation before being discharged home or returning to your inpatient unit if admitted.
Many people find that understanding the treatment process beforehand can help them feel more informed and prepared for discussions with their psychiatrist.
Evidence-Based, Person-Centred Care
Esketamine treatment is considered as part of an evidence-based approach to depression care. Your psychiatrist will consider your symptoms, treatment history, current needs and preferences before discussing whether this option may be appropriate for you.
At Fullarton Clinic, treatment decisions are made in partnership with you and your treating team, with a focus on safety, informed choice and care that is tailored to your individual circumstances.
Accessing Esketamine Treatment for Depression in Melbourne
Fullarton Clinic provides esketamine treatment within a private hospital environment, with treatment available through inpatient and outpatient pathways depending on clinical assessment and individual needs.
A useful first step is to speak with your GP or psychiatrist. They can review your treatment history, discuss available treatment options, and determine whether a referral for specialist assessment may be appropriate.
Taking the Next Step
If you would like to learn more about esketamine treatment at Fullarton Clinic, complete the form below. Our Intake Team can explain the referral and assessment process and help you understand the next steps. A referral from your GP to a psychiatrist is required to access treatment.