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Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

From: Oral esketamine for treatment-resistant depression: rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial

Subject eligibility

Inclusion criteria

1. Age 18 to 80 years;

2. Current major depressive episode according to the DSM-5, ascertained by the MINI;

3. Depression at least moderately severe, defined by a score > 18 on the HDRS17;

4. TRD, defined as insufficient lifetime response to 3 or more different classes of antidepressant drugs, given for at least 4 weeks and in an adequate dose;

5. Stable dose of current antidepressant drug for at least 4 weeks prior to study initiation;

6. Good understanding of spoken and written Dutch.

Exclusion criteria

1. Meet DSM-5 criteria for current major depressive episode with psychotic features, bipolar disorder, past or current psychotic disorder, past or current moderate or severe substance dependence, or personality disorder as a primary diagnosis;

2. Recent (within the last 4 weeks) or current use of non-prescribed psychoactive compounds;

3. Recent (within the last 4 weeks) or current use of benzodiazepines in excess of 2 mg lorazepam or equivalent per day;

4. Current electroshock therapy;

5. Active suicidal intent, defined by a score > 2 on item 3 of the HDRS17;

6. Pregnancy or lactation;

7. A relevant somatic disorder, ascertained by physical examination, electrocardiogram, and blood tests;

8. Use of medication that ketamine interacts with on a major level according to the Drug Interactions Checker [34], including monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

  1. DSM-5 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [35], HDRS17 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [36, 37], MINI Mini International Neuropsychiatry Interview [38], TRD Treatment-resistant depression