Zuranolone for treating moderate to severe postpartum depression

Zuranolone is a medication currently in clinical development for the treatment of women with postpartum depression. Postpartum depression normally occurs within six weeks of a woman giving birth but can happen up to a year after delivery. The main symptoms are persistently feeling sad and having a low mood, a lack of interest and enjoyment in the wider world, a lack of energy and trouble sleeping at night, amongst others. These symptoms can impact on women’s quality of life. Currently, treatment guidelines for severe postpartum depression recommend either undertaking an intensive psychological intervention (such as cognitive behavioural therapy), medicines, or a combination of both. However, these can sometimes take a long time to work, and women will often need to try many different treatment options to find one that works for them.