‘Miracle’ postpartum depression drug is excelling in clinical trials

Scientists have made a breakthrough in the development of a pill that could potentially cure postpartum depression. The trial involved 151 women with postpartum depression. The placebo-controlled trial's findings have been described as groundbreaking. One group of participants were prescribed a daily dose of zuranolone for two weeks. The other were given a placebo. The researchers found that women who took zuranolone "displayed greater statistically significant reductions in depressive symptoms" compared with placebo at day 15. They found significant reductions in depressive symptoms by day 3. At the end of the 45 day trial, over half of women participating went into full remission of PPD. "Zuranolone showed rapid (by day 3), sustained (all measured time points through day 45), and clinically meaningful improvements in depressive symptoms, anxiety, and global and maternal functioning and was generally well tolerated." "Zuranolone has the potential to become a novel treatment for patients with PPD." The drug is not yet available, but there's no doubt it will make the greatest impact on new mums' mental health when it is approved. According to the HSE, Postnatal depression occurs in 10 to 15% of women within the first year of giving birth. Symptoms include feelings of anxiety, irritability, anger, a sense of loneliness and some mums may find it difficult being around family and even their baby. You may feel panicked, experience extreme worrying and feel inadequate. Many experience panic attacks, loss of appetite, poor concentration, tiredness all the time, trouble sleeping and feeling agitated. It's important to remember that even though this disorder is common, there is so much help out there. Speaking to your GP is one of the first steps you can take. The HSE advises mums experience PPD to contact their GP or public help nurse for support.