Esketamine Reduces Depression in At-Risk Adolescents

Aug 1, 2026 · Published in: Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing)

Background Information

Esketamine shows promise in quickly reducing severe depression in high-risk adolescents.

Esketamine offers a potential rapid intervention for adolescents with major depressive disorder at high risk of suicide. Esketamine doses of 56 and 84 mg showed superiority over midazolam in reducing depressive symptoms at 24 hours (p = .037). This study provides evidence for esketamine's effectiveness in quickly reducing depressive symptoms, though side effects like dizziness and nausea are common. Esketamine may rapidly reduce depressive symptoms in high-risk adolescents.

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Authors: Kosik-Gonzalez C, Fu DJ, Chen LN, Lane R, Bloch MH, DelBello M, Moreno C, Drevets WC, Canuso CM

Citation: Kosik-Gonzalez C, Fu DJ, Chen LN, et al. Effect of Esketamine on Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents With Major Depressive Disorder at Imminent Suicide Risk: A Randomized Psychoactive-Controlled Study. Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing). 2026;24(2):223-235. doi:10.1176/appi.focus.26024113

Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI · Free Full Text (PMC)

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