# Ketamine assisted psychotherapy in postpartum mood and anxiety disorders: a limited case series

## TL;DR

This case series explores the use of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for treating postpartum mood and anxiety disorders in three patients.

## Contribution

The study introduces ketamine-assisted psychotherapy as a potential treatment for PMADs after the postpartum period.

## Key findings

- KAP was used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for PMADs in three cases.
- The study highlights the potential impact of psychedelic insights on PMAD symptoms.
- KAP may offer a novel approach to address the limitations of existing pharmacologic treatments for PMADs.

## Abstract

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