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8 months ago
19
Giving mothers a ketamine-based drug immediately after childbirth reduces their risk of postnatal depression, a trial has found.
A single low dose of esketamine, a high-strength form of powerful hallucinogenic, decreased the number of major depressive episodes 42 days after birth by about three-quarters.
The study suggests the medication, used as an anaesthetic and antidepressant, should be considered for new mothers who show symptoms of depression during pregnancy.
A single low dose of esketamine, the active ingredient in ketamine, decreased major depressive episodes 42 days after birth by about three-quarters
Researchers in China and the US ran a trial with 361 pregnant women considered 'at risk' of postnatal depression.
Some were given the drug while others received a placebo.
At 42 days after giving birth, just 6.7 per cent of mothers given the esketamine experienced a major depressive episode compared with 25.4 per cent of those given a placebo.
Those who had received the drug also had fewer depression symptoms across the board.
The women were injected 40 minutes after childbirth.
Some suffered side effects of dizziness and double-vision, but these subsided within a day.
Dr Camilla Nord, of Cambridge University, said the study provides 'convincing evidence' that esketamine could prevent postnatal depression in women with early symptoms.
Dr Rupert McShane, of Oxford University, added: 'A single dose of intravenous esketamine is extraordinarily safe, effective and cheap for women at risk of worsening depression after childbirth.
Last year it was reported that billionaire Elon Musk was taking ketamine to manage depression. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Tesla CEO had been seen using the drug
'The challenge for us in the UK is to find the funding for monitoring so that the benefit can be maximised and the risks brought to a minimum.'
Postnatal depression affects one in ten women after they give birth.
It involves intense feelings of sadness, anxiety and exhaustion that usually begin two to three days after the birth and can last months.
Other symptoms include insomnia, loss of appetite, intense irritability and difficulty bonding with the baby.
In rare cases, an extreme disorder called postpartum psychosis may develop.
Existing treatment includes talking therapy or traditional antidepressants, but these can take weeks to kick in.
Scientists have long looked at ketamine's potential use as an antidepressant, but studies show that stopping it after regular use can trigger withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety and tremors.
But as esketamine is more potent, smaller amounts are needed to have an effect on the brain.
Last year it was reported that billionaire Elon Musk was taking ketamine to manage depression.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the Tesla CEO had been seen using the drug.
Musk is said to have told people he microdoses ketamine for depression and takes full doses while at parties.
WHAT IS POSTNATAL DEPRESSION?
Postnatal depression is a form of the mental-health condition that affects more than one in 10 women in the UK and US within a year of giving birth.
As many men can be affected as women, research suggests.
Many parents feel down, teary and anxious within the first two weeks of having a child, which is often called the 'baby blues'.
But if symptoms start later or last longer, they may be suffering from postnatal depression.
Postnatal depression is just as serious as others form of the mental-health disorder.
Symptoms include:
- Persistent sadness
- Lack of enjoyment or interest in the wider world
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Struggling to bond with your baby
- Withdrawing from others
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Frightening thoughts, such as hurting your baby
Sufferers should not wait for their symptoms to just go away.
Instead they should recognise that it is not their fault they are depressed and it does not make them a bad parent.
If you or your partner may be suffering, talk to your GP or health visitor.
Treatments can include self-help, such as talking to loved ones, resting when you can and making time to do things you enjoy. Therapy may also be prescribed.
In severe cases where other options have not helped, antidepressants may be recommended. Doctors will prescribe ones that are safe to take while breastfeeding.
Postnatal depression's cause is unclear, however, it is more common in those with a history of mental health problems.
Lack of support from loved ones, a poor relationship with the partner and a life-changing event, such as bereavement, can also raise the risk.
Source: NHS
English (US)