Scientists have invented a nasal spray to treat depression EurekAlert: a new nasal spray has proven effective in fighting depression 16:24

Scientists from the Champalimaud Clinical Center in Portugal have developed a nasal spray that has proven effective in combating depression. It was also revealed that the drug showed high safety with very low rates of side effects. In this respect reports EurekAlert.

Depression is a mental illness characterized by a persistent decrease in mood, motor retardation and thinking disorders. The causes of the disease may be traumatic situations, physical diseases, drug use or metabolic disorders in the brain.

Currently, antidepressant drugs in tablet form are mostly used to treat depression. Despite repeated treatment attempts, symptoms of the disease persist in some patients.

Scientists have developed a nasal spray containing esketamine – this active substance increases dopamine activity in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter released into the bloodstream when a person experiences joy.

Approximately 800 people participated in the study, which aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the drug. All of them suffered from depressive disorders and were taking the pills as prescribed by the doctor. Subjects were divided into two groups; one of them used a nasal spray as well as antidepressant tablets for 32 weeks. The other group received the antipsychotic drug quetiapine XR, used to treat schizophrenia.

Eight weeks after the start of the trial, 27.1% of patients in the first group achieved remission. In the second group, this figure was 17.6%. After another 24 weeks, nearly half of the subjects who used the spray experienced improvement in their health.

In addition to therapeutic efficacy, safety parameters were also evaluated. The likelihood of side effects due to spray use was low.

Scientists are eager to do more research to find additional ways to maintain remission, including psychotherapy.

Previously Appearedthat depression can trigger diabetes.