Researchers from Cleveland Clinic have announced plans for a drug trial that will study if a novel psychedelic drug can help treat postnatal depression. The drug, called RE104, is almost identical in makeup to psilocybin, with the main difference being the length of time patients experience psychedelic effects.
One in seven new mothers experience postnatal depression, which can cause low mood, sleep disturbances, feelings of inadequacy or guilt, and a sense of detachment from the newborn child. Treatment options available are limited, and it is not uncommon for patients to consider self-harm or harming their child.
In the study, participants will “undergo extensive psychological and physical testing” before being given the drug. Once participants have been given the single dose via injection to the stomach they will be accompanied by a researcher for two hours and monitored closely for a further six. Mothers who are breast-feeding are expected to be able to safely resume feeding 24 hours after being given the drug.
Researchers will measure how well the drug performed with four weeks of follow-up sessions where participants’ symptoms will be monitored and discussed.
Current treatment options that are safe for mother and baby include cognitive behavioural therapy, and interpersonal therapy. Antidepressant drugs are also prescribed although these can carry risks to babies through the contamination of milk.
“The birth of a new baby incites a cascade of emotional, environmental and hormonal changes, all of which can be fertile ground for depression,” said Cleveland Clinic psychiatrist and chief investigator Brian Barnett, MD. “Unfortunately, there are a number of factors – including persistent stigma – that can stand in the way of effective treatment. Our hope is that this study will help provide a safe, alternative path forward for patients.”
Previous research has found psilocybin therapy to be effective for the treatment of depression, and other conditions such as opioid and alcohol addiction. The current trial will result in a safe and effective treatment specifically for new mothers living with depression, enabling patients “to learn new ways of interacting with the world,” Dr. Barnett said.
“Postpartum depression has not received the attention it deserves, but the medical field is beginning to sharpen its sights on the unique mental health concerns of new mothers, for whom standard therapies may be inadequate,” he added. “We want to help these patients get back to the people and things that are most important to them, and we believe this study may be a meaningful step in the right direction.”
