Use of Esketamine in the Treatment of Depression: A Systematic Review of Clinical Evidence

Introduction: Depression is a highly prevalent psychiatric condition and considered one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, affecting millions of individuals across different age groups and social contexts. Esketamine, a ketamine derivative, has emerged as a promising option for the treatment of resistant depression. Objective: To synthesize the available evidence on the use of esketamine in depressed patients, focusing on its efficacy, safety, and possible limitations. Methods: This study is a systematic review, classified as exploratory and descriptive. The research was carried out through bibliographic research in electronic databases on methods associated with SLR (Systematic Literature Review) and applications of SMARTER (Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique using Exploiting Rankings). Results: A comprehensive systematic search of the literature yielded a total of 1270 articles related to the topic addressed, of which 34 articles were eligible to compose this systematic review. Conclusion: With the advancement of research and the adaptation of health structures, the estimate has the potential to transform the management of resistance depression, significantly improving quality of life.