Ketamine for Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review
Jaylyn Thompson, David F. Lo, Alexis Foschini, Suvan Sundaresh, Don D. Shamilov
Research Posters May 2, 2024 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.31986/issn.2689-0690_rdw.stratford_research_day.105_2024
Summary
Ketamine shows potential for reducing postpartum depression symptoms after cesarean section, based on a review of 8 randomized control trials. While some studies indicated no significant effects, the overall findings suggest that ketamine may help prevent or lessen these symptoms. Further research is necessary to clarify dosing and its causal relationship with postpartum depression in this context.
Study at a glance
| Design | systematic review |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 8 |
| Population | randomized control trials examining ketamine's effects on postpartum depression after cesarean section |
| Key finding | Ketamine may help prevent or lessen postpartum depression symptoms post C-section, although some studies reported no significant effects. |
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to explore perinatal ketamine’s potential for reducing postpartum depression after cesarean section. Articles reviewed from Pubmed, Cochrane, and Web of Science using specific search terms. 8 final papers were used for review after excluding duplicates and irrelevant titles and abstracts. Ketamine showed potential in reducing postpartum depression symptoms post C-section, although some studies reported no significant effects. All studies were randomized control trials. Ketamine may help prevent or lessen postpartum depression symptoms post C-section, but more research is needed to understand dosing and its casual relationship with PPD in this context.