Pill For Post Partum Depression

About a month ago, the FDA approved, Zuzuram, the first oral medication intended to treat postpartum depression. “Exciting to come - this is for severe post partem depression so we’re clear,” says Angela Glyder, a registered nurse who heads up clinical operations a company called Lucina that helps predict disease. The drug is for 14 days but has some limitations - breast feeding moms, for example, were not included in the study that the FDA evaluation, so the impact on these mothers is unknown at this stage. Literature suggests a lot more needs to be studied about the the long-term costs and outcomes from the pill. How insurers cover this will take time to unfold as well. “Families are struggling and this particular pill is really in the next step that starts with screening and diagnosing the condition and support services.” The drug is part of a broader treatment program - “it’s not a silver bullet for post partem depression,” Glyder contends. “Suicide is happening but preventable and moms need support not just after delivery for beyond that. The insurance industry has lagged in efforts to cover care beyond 9 months but there’s been progress.

Several insurers now cover care to the mom for 12 months - so 3 months post partem - and others have partnered with new companies who help women in the year after delivery. The Blue Shield of California insurer now offers a virtual telehealth service for women called Maven. Through Maven, moms can make virtual appointments with doulas, lactation consultants, childbirth educators, physical therapists, OBGYNs, and mental health providers.