Zuranolone: A Rapidly Acting Oral Neuroactive Steroid Antidepressant for the Treatment of Postpartum Depression

Severe depression, anxiety, and mood dysregulation during pregnancy and postpartum are risk factors for the safety and health of mother and baby. Current best practice guidelines recommend screening for depressive and anxiety symptoms before and during pregnancy, in addition to the postpartum period. Rapid identification and treatment of depression has the potential to be life-saving and prevent deleterious consequences, including impaired mother–infant bonding, emotional dysregulation, and other developmental problems. The current article reviews the neurobiological mechanisms of postpartum depression and a novel rapidly acting oral pharmacotherapeutic neuroactive steroid, zuranolone. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 62 (11), 7–10.]