Ketamine as potential treatment for postpartum depression: A narrative review

Research output: Contribution to journalReviewResearchpeer-review

  • David Chen-Li
  • Leanna M.W. Lui
  • Joshua D. Rosenblat
  • Orly Lipsitz
  • Kayla M. Teopiz
  • Roger Ho
  • Vinberg, Maj
  • Marina Golts
  • Muhammad Youshay Jawad
  • Yena Lee
  • Flora Nasri
  • Hartej Gill
  • Roger S. McIntyre

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a severe, debilitating mood disorder with consequences for both mothers and children, highlighting the need for rapid-acting and effective treatments for PPD. The aim of this narrative review is to synthesize the available literature on the administration of ketamine for PPD and propose ketamine as a viable and advantageous treatment. METHODS: A search was conducted on MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycInfo, and Embase databases from inception to October 10, 2021 for preclinical studies, interventional studies (ie, open-label and randomized controlled trials), as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating the use of ketamine in postpartum populations. Completed and ongoing clinical trials were identified on ClinicalTrials.gov. RESULTS: Four clinical trials were identified. Results from this review support additional investigation into ketamine as a potential treatment for PPD. CONCLUSIONS: Ketamine may be a favorable option for treating PPD due to its antidepressive and analgesic effects, short infusion time, and rapid clearance from the maternal bloodstream. However, there is insufficient evidence to support its use in this population, underscoring the importance of additional clinical research investigating ketamine for PPD.

Original languageEnglish
JournalAnnals of clinical psychiatry : official journal of the American Academy of Clinical Psychiatrists
Volume34
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)264-274
ISSN1040-1237
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

ID: 325833137