Venlafaxine in the treatment of postpartum depression.
BACKGROUND
Although postpartum depression is a highly prevalent illness, antidepressant treatment studies of postpartum depression are sparse. Incomplete recognition and treatment of puerperal illness place women at risk for chronic depression and may have adverse effects on child development.


METHODS
An 8-week, flexible-dose, open study of venlafaxine (immediate release; mean dose = 162.5 mg/day) was performed in a group of 15 women who met DSM-III-R criteria for major depressive disorder with onset within the first 3 months postpartum. Patients were assessed at baseline and every 2 weeks across the study. Measurements of outcome included the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), the Kellner Symptom Questionnaire, and the Clinical Global Impressions scale (CGI).


RESULTS
Despite baseline scores of depression that were particularly high, response to treatment was robust. Twelve of 15 patients experienced remission of major depression (HAM-D score < or = 7 or CGI score < or = 2). Dramatic decrease in anxiety paralleled the decrease in depression across the sample.


CONCLUSIONS
Venlafaxine is effective in the treatment of postpartum major depression. Early identification of women who suffer from postpartum mood disturbance is critical to minimize the morbidity associated with untreated mood disturbance and the effect of depression on children and families.
Cohen
L S
LS
Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA. lcohen2@partners.org
Viguera
A C
AC
Bouffard
S M
SM
Nonacs
R M
RM
Morabito
C
C
Collins
M H
MH
Ablon
J S
JS
D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
D003511:Cyclohexanols; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride