Transformative Therapies for Depression: Postpartum Depression, Major Depressive Disorder, and Treatment-Resistant Depression
Elizabeth Richardson, Riah Patterson, Samantha Meltzer-Brody, Robert K McClure, Amanda Tow
Annual Review of Medicine November 11, 2024 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-050423-095712 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Brexanolone Zuranolone Psilocybin |
| Topics | Depression Psilocybin |
| Keywords | Depression treatment Postpartum depression therapy Neurosteroid medication Psychedelic medicine Mental health breakthroughs Brexanolone Major depression Neurosteroids Zuranolone |
| Citations | 33 |
| Key findings | Brexanolone and zuranolone are the first FDA-approved drugs for postpartum depression, and psilocybin shows promise for treatment-resistant depression. |
Abstract
Depressive disorders present an enormous global public health burden. A notable treatment gap exists between the prevalence of depression and our ability to provide rapid-acting, effective treatment that achieves remission. Brexanolone and zuranolone, the first US Food and Drug Administration–approved drugs for postpartum depression, signify a critical advancement in addressing the unmet needs of a vulnerable patient population. Psilocybin shows promise for treatment-resistant depression and for those who have struggled to find relief with existing treatments. This review discusses transformative therapies that represent significant advancements in postpartum depression, major depressive disorder, and treatment-resistant depression.