Exploring the Efficacy of Ketamine as an Anesthetic and Antidepressant in Postpartum Depression: A Case Study Analysis

Abstract

Postpartum depression is a common mental health disorder that affects women within six months after giving birth. It is characterized by sadness, anxiety, and extreme fatigue, which can significantly impact a woman's daily functioning and ability to care for her newborn. While traditional treatments for postpartum depression include therapy and medication, recent studies have shown promising results using ketamine. We present a case of a woman with a history of depression who delivered four children by cesarean section with debilitating postpartum depression in two births and no symptoms of depression in the births where she received ketamine during delivery.

Keywords: anesthesia; anti-depressants; ketamine; maternal mental health; postnatal depression; postpartum depression; pregnancy.

Figure 1. Risk factors for post-partum depression

Image Credit: Valerie McAllister (co-author)