New treatments: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Across the spectrum of perinatal mental illness, there exist a variety of effective treatments. However, the available treatments are not always matched to the presentation, resources, constraints, or values of each patient. Furthermore, provider, local, and systemic factors complicate access to current treatment options. New and emerging approaches offer the potential of more effective treatment for specific perinatal psychiatric disorders. From neuroactive steroid medications to accelerated psychotherapy interventions, recent innovations have demonstrated enhanced efficacy on a faster timeline. Optimally, these developments will also lower barriers to care but this is not necessarily true. We review novel and upcoming interventions across perinatal mental illness and place them in the context of existing treatments and common challenges.

Keywords: Barriers; Novel treatments; Perinatal mental health; Psychopharmacology; Psychotherapy.