Many patients with depression do not experience sufficient improvement despite multiple treatment attempts with antidepressants. For these individuals, there is now an innovative and well-tolerated treatment option: esketamine nasal spray (Spravato®), which is specifically approved for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression.
In my private practice, I offer this state-of-the-art treatment in a calm, professional, and safe setting – accompanied by my longstanding expertise as head of the Specialized Outpatient Clinic for Treatment-Resistant Depression at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna (AKH Wien).
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is defined as the absence of satisfactory improvement despite treatment with at least two different antidepressants at adequate doses and duration. This phenomenon affects approximately one in three patients with depression and represents a significant burden for those affected and their families. This is precisely where esketamine therapy comes in.
Spravato® (esketamine nasal spray) works through a completely different mechanism than conventional antidepressants: It binds to so-called NMDA receptors in the brain and rapidly promotes the formation of new neuronal connections. This explains why many patients experience noticeable improvement in their mood and quality of life after just a few treatments – a key advantage over traditional antidepressants, which often take several weeks to take effect.
Esketamine therapy may be considered for:
- Adults with moderate to severe depression
- Lack of response to at least two different antidepressants
- Significant suffering and severe impairment of daily functioning
- Urgent need for treatment where a rapid response is critical
Treatment begins with an intensive induction phase of approximately four weeks, during which the nasal spray is administered twice weekly. This phase takes place at a specialized center – such as the TRD Outpatient Clinic at AKH Wien, which I lead in my primary role. Close medical monitoring, which is required during this treatment phase, is provided there, and it is assessed whether the therapy is effective for you.
After successful induction – once the effectiveness of the treatment has been established – I offer continuation as maintenance therapy in my private practice. Sessions then take place at weekly or biweekly intervals. You rest on one of our comfortable, electrically adjustable leather recliners while blood pressure and well-being are regularly monitored according to medical standards. Each session, including the observation period, lasts approximately two hours.
The fee can be submitted to your health insurance provider for reimbursement, with the majority of costs being reimbursed. Depending on your insurance plan, the out-of-pocket cost ranges between 50–70 euros.
Your safety and well-being are the top priority during every session:
- Comfortable, electrically adjustable leather recliners for a relaxed treatment position
- Regular wireless blood pressure monitoring and clinical observation according to medical standards
- Physician supervision and availability throughout the entire session
- Calm and discreet atmosphere – your privacy is of course protected
As senior attending physician of the Specialized Outpatient Clinic for Treatment-Resistant Depression at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, I have extensive clinical experience in treating severe and treatment-resistant depression. Esketamine therapy is an integral part of our treatment approach at the clinic. I bring this expert knowledge directly into the care of my private practice patients.
If you might benefit from esketamine maintenance therapy, I warmly invite you to a personal initial consultation at my practice. Please bring any available medical reports, discharge summaries, and a list of your previous medications.