Not many treatment options are available for post-partum depression, though it remains a cause of significant morbidity. A recent study published in the Lancet showed that brexanolone, which is a positive allosteric modulator of GABA A receptors, can significantly reduce post-partum depression. Two randomized, double-blinded studies were conducted on 375 women who were between the age of 18-45 years and at 6 months post-partum. Clinically significant reduction in Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) score was observed with the drug, at 60 hours when compared to placebo.
Brexanolone, thus, can serve as a potential therapeutic option for women suffering from post-partum depression. Source: Meltzer-Brody S. Lancet. 2018 Sep 22;392(10152):1058-1070.
