“Approval of esketamine is important for patients because other options like transcranial magnetic stimulation work more poorly in medication-resistant depression,” writes Dr. J. John Mann.
.
Dr. Alan S. Brown, said that "overall, the investigators have done a commendable job." However, he also noted that the "findings could also be influenced by treatment-seeking behaviors."
When the drug works, its effect is almost immediate. That speed “is a huge thing because depressed patients are very disabled and suffer enormously,” said Dr. John Mann.
“This is undeniably a major advance,” said Dr. Jeffrey Lieberman. But he cautioned much is still unknown about the drug, particularly regarding its long-term use.
The test could give parents false hope about quick answers for their child’s diagnosis — and, in doing so, prolong their path to the right answer, Dr. Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele says.
"I expect that clinicians will change their practices by prescribing fewer benzodiazepines and more antidepressants for people with schizophrenia," Dr. T. Scott Stroup said.
Dr. John Mann and colleagues followed 663 young adults who were at high risk for suicidal behavior because their parents had been diagnosed with mood disorders.
“When the child has not made academic progress despite accommodations, he or she can develop other challenges that negatively affect their functioning at home and at school,” says Dr. Meghan Tomb.
