Ketamine assisted psychotherapy in postpartum mood and anxiety disorders
A limited case series
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15517004 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Alka Christnacht (Seattle University), Therry Rose Eparwa (Integrative Medicine Institute), Emily Whinkin (Integrative Medicine Institute, corresponding author), Sunil Aggarwal (University of Washington) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 16 |
| Pages | 1661604-1661604 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-22 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Psychiatry (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1664-0640 • E-ISSN: 1664-0640 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1661604 |
| PMID | 41659180 |
| OpenAlex | W7125419807 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 46 |
The postpartum period is notorious for rapid and profound changes for birthing individuals and their families. Significant shifts to hormonal and physical health, routines and family roles, and the salience of personal and community risk factors all contribute to potential psychiatric and psychological distress for parents, sometimes diagnosed as a postpartum mood or anxiety disorder (PMAD). Existing pharmacologic treatment modalities for PMADs do not comprehensively address the profound shifts of the postpartum period, often inadequate at reaching peak therapeutic efficacy in a shorter time frame, in patient accessibility, or offering sustained benefit. Ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP), is increasingly recognized as a therapeutic option for a range of psychiatric disorders and has been explored as a modality to prevent PMADs when used during Cesarean births. This retrospective case series examines three cases where ketamine assisted psychotherapy (KAP) was introduced during the first two years postpartum as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for PMADs. This study describes the utility of ketamine assisted psychotherapy to the postpartum individual, and offers perspective on the impact of psychedelic insights through treatment of PMAD symptoms
Anxiety · Distress · Ketamine · Modalities · Mood · Postpartum depression · Postpartum period · Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum · Psychedelics and Drug Studies · Treatment of Major Depression
Paternal postpartum depression, its relationship to maternal postpartum depression, and implications for family health
Consequences of maternal postpartum depression
The Pharmacokinetics of Ketamine in the Breast Milk of Lactating Women
Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)
Metabolism and metabolomics of ketamine
| Highly cited | No |
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