Evidence base and FDA approval for novel treatments of depression

Treatment modalitiesMajor depressive disorderTreatment-resistant depressionPediatric depressionGeriatric depressionDisadvantagesFDA approval
Intravenous ketamine+++/-+/-Limited availabilityNo
Esketamine-+--Limited indicationsYesa
Anti-inflammatory agents+---Limited evidence baseNo
Brexanolone----Only approved for PPD, intravenous use onlyYesc
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy+/-+/---Regulatory constraints, limited evidence base
Probiotics/prebiotics+/----Limited evidence baseNo
Anti-inflammatory diet+/----Limited evidence baseNo
Ketamine-assisted ECT+---Conflicting evidence of efficacyNo
rTMS+++/-+Limited availabilityYesa,b
MST-+--Limited availability and indications; poorly defined treatment parametersNo
tDCS+---Limited availability; poorly defined treatment parametersNo*
DBS-+--Invasive, poor acceptability, limited indicationsNo
VNS-+--Invasive, poor acceptability, limited indicationsYesa

+: Evidence present; -: no evidence; +/-: limited evidence; a approved in adult TRD; b cleared in adolescent MDD; c approved in Postpartum depression (PPD); * approved for clinical trials. ECT: electroconvulsive therapy; rTMS: repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation; MST: magnetic seizure therapy; tDCS: transcranial direct current stimulation; DBS: deep brain stimulation; VNS: vagal nerve stimulation