Mind-body exercises such as yoga and mindfulness significantly reduce PTSD symptoms, depression, and anxiety in people with PTSD. A meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials found a moderate effect on PTSD symptoms (standard mean difference = -0.41), depression (-0.35), and anxiety (-0.31). The most effective regimen for PTSD symptoms in patients under 45 was 60-150 minutes of mindfulness per session for 8-16 weeks. For depression, 150-180 minutes of yoga once weekly was effective. The optimal type, frequency, and duration for anxiety could not be determined due to limited trials. Mind-body exercises are recommended as an adjunct treatment, but more rigorous trials are needed.
Esketamine significantly lowers depression scores in new mothers with perinatal depression, as shown in a clinical trial with 298 full-term pregnant women. The antidepressant effect is linked to modulation of TASK-1 potassium channels, which reduces neuroinflammation and depressive-like symptoms. Studies in mouse models and cultured neurons confirm that esketamine acts through these channels to alter synaptic plasticity proteins. This work identifies a specific neural pathway for esketamine's rapid action, offering a promising therapeutic avenue for perinatal depression.