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Ketamine for Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review

Jaylyn Thompson, David F Lo, Alexis Foschini, Suvan Sundaresh, Don D. Shamilov

Research Posters May 2, 2024 DOI: 10.31986/issn.2689-0690_rdw.stratford_research_day.105_2024 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Systematic review Randomized Peer reviewed
Population Women undergoing cesarean section
Intervention Ketamine
Topics Depression Esketamine Ketamine
Key findings Ketamine may reduce postpartum depression symptoms after cesarean section, but some studies reported no significant effects and further research is needed.

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to explore perinatal ketamine’s potential for reducing postpartum depression after cesarean section. Articles reviewed from Pubmed, Cochrane, and Web of Science using specific search terms. 8 final papers were used for review after excluding duplicates and irrelevant titles and abstracts. Ketamine showed potential in reducing postpartum depression symptoms post C-section, although some studies reported no significant effects. All studies were randomized control trials. Ketamine may help prevent or lessen postpartum depression symptoms post C-section, but more research is needed to understand dosing and its casual relationship with PPD in this context.