Ketamine assisted psychotherapy in postpartum mood and anxiety disorders: a limited case series
Alka Christnacht, Therry Rose J Eparwa, Emily Whinkin, Sunil K Aggarwal
Frontiers in Psychiatry January 22, 2026 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1661604 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Retrospective case series Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 3 |
| Population | Postpartum individuals with PMADs who received KAP within the first two years postpartum |
| Intervention | Ketamine assisted psychotherapy |
| Duration | First two years postpartum |
| Topics | Anxiety Ketamine Esketamine Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Distress Postpartum depression Postpartum period Modalities Psychotherapist Mood disorders Clinical psychology Childbirth Treatment modality Pregnancy |
| Key findings | Ketamine assisted psychotherapy may provide utility in treating postpartum mood and anxiety disorders by facilitating psychedelic insights that address symptoms. |
Abstract
The postpartum period is notorious for rapid and profound changes for birthing individuals and their families. Significant shifts to hormonal and physical health, routines and family roles, and the salience of personal and community risk factors all contribute to potential psychiatric and psychological distress for parents, sometimes diagnosed as a postpartum mood or anxiety disorder (PMAD). Existing pharmacologic treatment modalities for PMADs do not comprehensively address the profound shifts of the postpartum period, often inadequate at reaching peak therapeutic efficacy in a shorter time frame, in patient accessibility, or offering sustained benefit. Ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP), is increasingly recognized as a therapeutic option for a range of psychiatric disorders and has been explored as a modality to prevent PMADs when used during Cesarean births. This retrospective case series examines three cases where ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) was introduced during the first two years postpartum as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for PMADs. This study describes the utility of ketamine assisted psychotherapy to the postpartum individual, and offers perspective on the impact of psychedelic insights through treatment of PMAD symptoms
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on ketamine and psychedelic-assisted therapy, most cited first.