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UMC Groningen (UMCG)

Groningen, Netherlands

Treatment & access

About this provider

UMCG delivers ketamine-based depression treatment at its Universitair Centrum Psychiatrie (UCP). After referral by a GP or medical specialist, the UCP assesses suitability; intake includes physical and blood examinations and online (ROM/RoQua) questionnaires. The core programme runs four to six weeks with two visits per week; each session takes two to three hours in a private room, with blood pressure checks and staff guiding patients through the temporary dissociative effects, and patients must arrange transport home. Treatment is given as a nasal spray or, within studies and off-label care, as an oral drink. Responders can move to maintenance treatment with gradually reduced frequency, monitored together with the patient's own clinician.

Services & programs

  • Esketamine nasal spray treatment for treatment-resistant depression at the Universitair Centrum Psychiatrie
  • Oral (es)ketamine drink as off-label treatment and within ongoing ketamine research studies
  • Participation in ketamine studies (research treatment nearly identical to standard care, with extra measurements)
  • Maintenance treatment with stepwise frequency reduction after a successful course
  • Monitoring via online ROM/RoQua questionnaires and regular telephone follow-up, in coordination with the patient's own clinician

Common questions

Who is eligible for ketamine treatment at the UCP?

You must be 18 or older with a depressive disorder, have had at least three types of antidepressant medication in the current episode with insufficient result (at least two antidepressants plus one augmentation strategy such as lithium, aripiprazole or quetiapine with an antidepressant), currently use a registered antidepressant in adequate dosage, and have no conditions that rule out treatment, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure.

What does a treatment session look like?

You come to the UCP twice a week for 4 to 6 weeks. Each session lasts 2 to 3 hours in a room of your own; it is best not to eat for 2 hours beforehand. Blood pressure is measured before and during treatment, staff support you through any temporary dream-like or challenging experiences, you get something to eat afterwards, and you may not drive yourself home.

Is the treatment reimbursed?

The nasal spray is currently reimbursed from the basic insurance package for patients with depression who have had insufficient effect from several prior steps. The oral drink is off-label and not reimbursed by all insurers; UMCG advises checking with your insurer first and can send a written reimbursement request on your behalf.

What happens after the initial course?

If the treatment works well, a maintenance course is possible: for the nasal spray you keep coming to the UCP but progressively less often. Follow-up care can continue with your own clinician, with the UCP staying in contact via regular online questionnaires and phone calls to track effects and side effects.

Looking at alternatives? In the northern Netherlands, Lentis (Groningen), GGZ Drenthe (Assen) and GGZ Friesland are also ENC-NL centres. See enc-nl.nl and our Netherlands country guide.

Verification

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