Lto postpartum depression it is one of the most common medical complications during and after pregnancy. It affects approx 1 in 8 women in the United States (about 500,000 women per year). Symptoms can include depressed mood, loss of interest in activities daily “- he explains Katherine DawsonMD, Director of the Division of Therapeutic Development of Biogen – «changes in the models of sleep e in the’appetite, decreased energy, sense of guilt or worthlessness. Also difficulty concentrating and, in some cases, thoughts of suicide“. In the United States she is recognized since Department of Health and Human Services as a high priority public health issue. Sage Therapeutics And Biogen have begun the process for the introduction on the market of the new drug zuranolone, sponsored by the studio SKYLARK phase 3. The authorization request will be completed by the second half of 2022.
Motherhood
There birth of a child revolutionizes life. The constant need to take care of the newborn, the organization of time and one’s habits, any difficulties in the workplace, the change in relationship with the partner generate stress and undermine themental balance of new mothers. Lack of a social network, financial hardship, or a difficult childbirth can also foster the development of depressive manifestations of varying intensity.
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Never hide
For fear of the social stigma many women they are ashamed to confess symptoms of depression and declare their malaise or frailty. On the other hand, it is important that new parents recognize the signs and report them quickly to the healthcare staff. Depression cannot be confused with maternity blues, a few hours or days postpartum characterized by decreased mood and emotional instability. It is estimated that a percentage can be placed between the 30% and 85% of women manifest symptoms associable with a slight depression post partum but transient. There persistent pathology affects instead about 10-15% of women. Symptoms also include psychotic manifestationswith delusions, obsessive thoughts, episodes of anxiety, spontaneous crying and disinterest in the newborn.
What are the risks?
Symptoms of postpartum depression they are not transient and they can last for many years. «This condition has significant consequences on the women’s mental healthon the mother-child relationship»- he explains-« on development of the child and the entire family unit. Untreated postpartum depression and psychosis increase the risk of suicide and infanticide, which are the most serious complications. Maternal depression hinders emotional and behavioral exchanges necessary forinteraction emotional between mother and child. The latter can later manifest during tendency to aggression, anxiety disorders, deficit in cognitive development, attention and learning. Partners too I am at risk of depression.
Typically with the standard therapies for the depression: “That require however weeks“- he says -” before having a significant effect on the symptoms “. There is currently only one molecule for the disorder, the brexanolone, available However exclusively in the United States. Unfortunately, access to treatment is still very low and about 70% of women do not receive the diagnosis. In absence of treatmentpost partum depression it can become chronic: «Promising new drugs could soon provide “- he continues -” atherapeutic option effective of which there is a desperate need“.
The future
The double-blind randomized study SKYLARK phase 3 is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the molecule zuranolone. This experimental drug from take orally once daily for 2 weeks is under development and intended for the exclusive treatment of postpartum depression and major depressive disorder. “Thanks to yours new mechanism of action“- underlines -” can reduce symptoms in a short time“. Women treated with zuranolone show rapid and significant improvement already at third day: «Postpartum depression has devastating effects on mothers and their families“- he concludes -” if approved, zuranolone will be the first oral drug with a specific indication for this pathology“.
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