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Critical review and recommendations for enhancement of the article on novel neurosteroid therapeutics for postpartum depression

Neuropsychopharmacology (2024)Cite this article

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The article authored by Patterson et al., titled “Novel neurosteroid therapeutics for postpartum depression: perspectives on clinical trials, program development, active research, and future directions,” published in Volume 49, pages 67–72 (September 15, 2023), provides a comprehensive analysis of the use of novel steroid therapeutics, particularly brexanolone, in patients with postpartum depression. While commendable, the article demonstrates certain methodological limitations that warrant careful consideration and revision.

Usually, the antidepressants need at least four weeks to demonstrate its therapeutic effects. However, the guidelines suggest that, to obtain full results with the use of antidepressants, six weeks of treatment at full doses is necessary. It is not reasonable to expect an antidepressant effect within only two weeks as the paper proposed.

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References

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Acknowledgements

Liga Acadêmica de Psiquiatria (LAPSIQ), Associação de Psiquiatria do Estado do Ceará (APEC) and Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Medicine—Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil

    Tiago Tanimoto Ribeiro, Marisa Bezerra de Araújo & Guilherme Nobre Nogueira

  2. Clinical Medicine Department, School of Medicine—Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil

    Fabio Gomes de Matos e Souza & Luisa Weber Bisol

  3. Psychiatric Service—University Hospital Walter Cantídio, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil

    Fabio Gomes de Matos e Souza & Luisa Weber Bisol

Authors
  1. Tiago Tanimoto Ribeiro
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  2. Marisa Bezerra de Araújo
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  3. Guilherme Nobre Nogueira
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  4. Fabio Gomes de Matos e Souza
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  5. Luisa Weber Bisol
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Contributions

LWB and FGMS wrote the letter and incorporated feedback provided by co-authors. TTR, MBA, and GNN edited and provided feedback on drafts of the letter. All authors approved the final version of this letter.

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Correspondence to Luisa Weber Bisol.

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Ribeiro, T.T., de Araújo, M.B., Nogueira, G.N. et al. Critical review and recommendations for enhancement of the article on novel neurosteroid therapeutics for postpartum depression. Neuropsychopharmacol. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-024-01820-7

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