Research Keyword: maternal mental health

Postpartum depression: A role for psychedelics?

Postpartum depression affects many new mothers and involves feelings of disconnection from themselves and their babies. This review suggests that psilocybin, the active compound in psychedelic mushrooms, might help by promoting reconnection and acceptance. The authors examine safety data suggesting psilocybin could potentially be used safely in postpartum women if appropriate precautions are taken, such as temporarily stopping breastfeeding after treatment.

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Psilocybin during the postpartum period induces long-lasting adverse effects in both mothers and offspring

Researchers tested whether psilocybin could help postpartum depression in mice, but found it actually made things worse for both mothers and their babies. While psilocybin normally reduces depression and anxiety, it had the opposite effect during the postpartum period, making mothers more anxious and disrupting their care of pups. Babies exposed to psilocybin through breastfeeding or direct exposure developed anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure) as adults. These findings suggest that the postpartum period may be a particularly vulnerable time for psychedelic use, and more research is needed before considering these drugs for postpartum depression treatment.

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