Combining esketamine with cognitive behavioral therapy for hospitalized patients with depression and suicidal thoughts
Official title: A feasibility trial of esketamine plus cognitive behavioral therapy for patients with major depressive disorder who are hospitalized for suicidal ideation
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10688291 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well combining a fast-acting depression medication called esketamine with talk therapy can help people who are in the hospital because they are feeling suicidal, aiming to see if this mix can improve their mood and keep them safe after they leave.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $966,043 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH125205-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10688291 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are hospitalized for suicidal ideation or attempts and diagnosed with major depressive disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing suicidal thoughts or who do not have major depressive disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of combining esketamine, a rapid-acting antidepressant, with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for patients hospitalized due to suicidal ideation. The study aims to assess the safety and feasibility of this combined approach to enhance the antidepressant effects of esketamine and provide ongoing support through CBT. By focusing on individuals with major depressive disorder, the research seeks to address the critical period of high risk following hospitalization. Participants will receive both treatments to evaluate their combined impact on reducing depressive symptoms and preventing suicide attempts.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment approach that significantly reduces suicidal thoughts and improves long-term mental health outcomes for patients with major depressive disorder.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with esketamine and CBT separately, but this combined approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilkinson, Samuel — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Wilkinson, Samuel
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.