For some people with severe depression, the drugs currently available do not work. A new nasal spray will help these patients now.
Severe depression is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses in the world, affecting nearly 300 million people. But it can not be helped to all by far: according to experts, about one third of all patients is considered treatment-resistant. This means that the currently available antidepressants do not strike at them. That’s about to change – with the help of a simple nasal spray .
Study proves effectiveness
This nasal spray carries the product name Spravato and contains the active substance esketamine. It is an anesthetic whose mechanisms of action, according to the manufacturers Johnson and Johnson, should increase the chances of recovery in depression. A study shows that the drug relieves depression in an acute suicide threat in just two hours per week at two weekly sessions. In addition, the nasal spray should strike much faster than previous antidepressants, which only start to work after four to six weeks.
Not without side effects
The manufacturer points out that the nasal spray can have various side effects. Among other things, there may be high blood pressure, dizziness and altered perception. However , the US Drug Inspectorate already supports the use of the spray for treatment-resistant depression and major suicidal depression. In March, the decision will be made whether the nasal spray is approved in America – and even with the European Medicines Agency is already a corresponding application.
Am I just in a depression or have I already had depression?
Unlike depression, depression is permanent and does not disappear by itself over time – it needs to be treated professionally. In depression, patients suffer from the following symptoms:
- Persistent deep depression over at least two weeks
- Emotions of inner emptiness, no emotions such as joy are felt anymore, even in positive events
- Feeling of lingering hopelessness
- Interest in hobbies and social contacts expires
- listlessness
- Constant physical and mental exhaustion
- fatigue
In addition, patients often suffer from strong self-doubt, guilt and concentration problems. Anyone who identifies similar symptoms over a longer period of time, should quickly trust his doctor – the sooner a depression is discovered and treated, the greater the chances of success.