Story perspectives

Royal College Backs Esketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression

9/19/2025

24 4

Summary

Story summary

The Royal College of Psychiatrists endorses esketamine, a ketamine-based nasal spray, for treatment-resistant depression in clinical settings.
Esketamine is licensed in the UK but available on the NHS only in Scotland.
The college stresses the importance of oversight and monitoring during its use.
Ongoing studies investigate ketamine's impact on PTSD, OCD, and substance abuse.
Other psychedelics, such as MDMA and psilocybin, are being considered for clinical use in Australia and Canada.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Royal College of Psychiatrists endorses esketamine, a ketamine-based nasal spray, for treatment-resistant depression in clinical settings.
Esketamine is licensed in the UK but available on the NHS only in Scotland.
The college stresses the importance of oversight and monitoring during its use.
Ongoing studies investigate ketamine's impact on PTSD, OCD, and substance abuse.
Other psychedelics, such as MDMA and psilocybin, are being considered for clinical use in Australia and Canada.