Transformative Therapies for Depression: Postpartum Depression, Major Depressive Disorder, and Treatment-Resistant Depression

Depressive disorders impose a heavy global public health burden, with a gap between how common they are and the availability of fast, effective treatments that lead to remission. Brexanolone and zuranolone, the first FDA-approved drugs for postpartum depression, mark a critical advance for a vulnerable patient group. Psilocybin shows promise for treatment-resistant depression and for people who have not found relief with existing options. This review discusses these transformative therapies as major steps forward for postpartum depression, major depressive disorder, and treatment-resistant depression.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Depressive disorders present an enormous global public health burden. A notable treatment gap exists between the prevalence of depression and our ability to provide rapid-acting, effective treatment that achieves remission. Brexanolone and zuranolone, the first US Food and Drug Administration–approved drugs for postpartum depression, signify a critical advancement in addressing the unmet needs of a vulnerable patient population. Psilocybin shows promise for treatment-resistant depression and for those who have struggled to find relief with existing treatments. This review discusses transformative therapies that represent significant advancements in postpartum depression, major depressive disorder, and treatment-resistant depression.