Česky
As MUDr. Matěj Kasal, who is in charge of treatment at the Centre for Mental Rehabilitation, points out, the goal is not only the retreat of symptoms, but mainly a quick return to a quality normal life. Some patients even experience relief from depressive symptoms already around the second week of treatment. Overall, the treatment will help a third of the patients to reduce their problems, and another third will get rid of their depressive symptoms completely. "This is one of the most effective treatments for treatment-resistant depression," Dr. Kasal emphasizes.
Esketamine is administered via nasal spray in the safe environment of one of the Mental Rehabilitation Center's outpatient clinics. In addition, a trained healthcare professional is always present at the administration. After the injection itself, the patient spends two hours resting on the bed. "The great advantage is that the treatment does not require hospitalisation. After a short period of supervised rest, patients can go home," the doctor describes the process.
The complete treatment takes at least half a year. Initially, the drug is administered at an interval of twice a week, but gradually the interval is reduced to once every two weeks. The treatment is covered by health insurance.
Esketamine therapy is for patients diagnosed with depression who have tried at least two conventional antidepressants for at least four weeks but have not seen results. They must commit to completing the full course of treatment, and any patient for whom treatment may be appropriate will also have an evaluation with an outpatient psychiatrist who will carefully assess their health, both mental and physical. In fact, the treatment is not suitable, for example, for patients with heart problems.
Those interested in treatment can make an appointment using the form on the Mental Rehabilitation Centre website.
