Postpartum depression affects about 1 in 8 women in the U.S. within the first year after giving birth.
It isn’t just the “baby blues.” It’s a serious mental illness that leaves new moms extremely sad, exhausted, and sometimes hopeless.
The condition can be debilitating, overwhelming and dangerous for new moms.
“Every now and then we have a terrible tragedy where mom did not get identified as being depressed, and she becomes so ill that she takes her own life and/or her baby’s,” explained Dr. Jennifer Payne, a psychiatrist at the University of Virginia Health.
It can also affect newborns.
“They’re not stimulating the baby as much, and that can have effects on IQ and language development,” Payne said.
Research shows mental health problems account for about 23% of maternal deaths in the country.
Now, new approaches are showing promise when it comes to diagnosing and treating postpartum depression and spotting women who are at risk.
“Then we can intervene immediately during the postpartum time period,” Payne said.
Payne and her colleagues found that postpartum depression was more common in women younger than 25, first-time moms, and those who gave birth to twins.
She said simple screening tests can spot the signs of depression so women can get treated quickly.
“We have a new class of medications that are specifically targeting postpartum depression,” Payne explained.
Brexanolone was the first medicine approved to specifically treat postpartum depression. It’s an infusion over two and a half days to help rebalance the brain’s calming hormones.
In 2023, the FDA approved Zuranolone, which comes as a capsule. Studies show it significantly improves postpartum depression symptoms in more than half of women who take it. And it works quickly, often within days.
Zuranolone costs nearly $16,000 for a standard, two-week treatment. Some, but not all, insurance companies cover the cost.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources for you or someone you know.
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