Exploring the effects of Esketamine on dissociative states in depression

Phenomenological Explorations of the Esketamine-Induced Transient Dissociative State

Not applicable Interventional Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Toulon La Seyne sur Mer · NCT06133309

This study is testing how Esketamine affects feelings of disconnection in people with hard-to-treat depression to see how it impacts their overall treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment15 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Toulon La Seyne sur Mer Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toulon, Var)
Trial IDNCT06133309 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the transient dissociative state induced by Esketamine, a treatment for resistant depressive disorders. Patients receiving Esketamine at the Psychiatry Department of Hôpital Sainte Musse will be selected based on specific inclusion criteria and will participate in an Experiential Phenomenological Interview. The study aims to understand the cognitive and emotional disruptions experienced during this dissociative state and how it affects the overall treatment outcome. Participants will provide oral consent and complete a questionnaire during a follow-up consultation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 who have been treated with Esketamine for depression and experienced a transient dissociative state.

Not a fit: Patients with major anxiety or panic attacks during the dissociative state or those under judicial protection will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of dissociative effects during Esketamine treatment, potentially improving therapeutic strategies for patients with depression.

How similar studies have performed: While few studies have explored this phenomenon in the context of Esketamine, related research on ketamine has shown promising insights into dissociative experiences.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient followed in the Psychiatry Department of Hôpital Sainte Musse, with depressive state characterized by the DSM-V criteria and treated with Esketamine between 2 days and 3 months prior to the study;
* Patient over the age of 18;
* Patient presented transient dissociative state during Esketamine treatment;
* Patient able to express his/her consent prior to participation in the study;
* Patient who understands and speaks French.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient with major anxiety and panic attack during an Esketamine-induced dissociative state, regardless of Esketamine effect;
* Patient under judicial protection (guardianship, curatorship...) or safeguard of justice;
* Pregnant, parturient or breast-feeding women;
* Any other reason that, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with the evaluation of the study objectives.

Where this trial is running

Toulon, Var

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Depressive DisorderDepressive disorderExperiential Phenomenological InterviewEskétamineTransient dissociative stateConsciousness contents
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.