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Rapid-Acting Treatments for Perinatal Depression: Clinical Landscapes and Future Horizons

Author

Listed:
  • Emily M. Beydler

    (Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
    Penn Center for Women’s Behavioral Wellness, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

  • Amanda Koire

    (AMC Department of Psychiatry, Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA 02115, USA
    Mary Horrigan Connors Center for Women’s Health and Gender Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
    Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA)

  • Elizabeth Steuber

    (Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
    Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA)

  • Joseph J. Taylor

    (AMC Department of Psychiatry, Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA 02115, USA
    Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
    Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics, Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA 02115, USA)

  • Reid J. Mergler

    (Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
    Penn Center for Women’s Behavioral Wellness, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

Abstract

Perinatal depression affects approximately 1 in 5 women and is the leading cause of maternal mortality in the United States. In addition to evidence-based treatment with antidepressant medications, there has been a push to identify rapid-acting options for pregnant and postpartum individuals. This paper reviews the evidence behind new pharmacological agents (neurosteroids and ketamine) and non-pharmacological approaches (transcranial magnetic stimulation). The paper also highlights the risks and benefits of electroconvulsive therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Based on recent studies and research, the paper provides considerations when prescribing these modalities including: timing of symptom onset, severity of presentation, breastfeeding priorities, prior treatment response and treatment availability and cost.

Suggested Citation

  • Emily M. Beydler & Amanda Koire & Elizabeth Steuber & Joseph J. Taylor & Reid J. Mergler, 2025. "Rapid-Acting Treatments for Perinatal Depression: Clinical Landscapes and Future Horizons," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(4), pages 1-11, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:4:p:546-:d:1626652
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