2019-03-01 09:03:26
Women often seek antidepressant alternatives for major depressive disorder (MDD) in anticipation of or during pregnancy. In this preliminary study, EnBrace HR, a prenatal supplement containing methylfolate, was investigated for depressive relapse prevention and for acute treatment of MDD in women planning pregnancy or during pregnancy (1). At enrollment, Group 1 participants were well (not depressed) and planned to discontinue antidepressants for pregnancy. Group 2 participants were depressed. Primary outcome variables by group included MDD relapse and depressive symptoms, verified with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), respectively. Biomarkers of inflammation and the folate cycle were collected. The results showed that Group 1 participants experienced lower rates of depressive relapse than expected from a historical comparison group and no significant changes in MADRS scores. Group 2 participants experienced significant improvements in MADRS scores with 5 improving >50% and 1 improving 33.3%. One adverse event occurred, a hospitalization for depression. The authors conclude that EnBrace HR is a well-tolerated intervention with potential efficacy for prevention and treatment of perinatal depression.
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- Freeman MP, et al. A prenatal supplement with methylfolate for the treatment and prevention of depression in women trying to conceive and during pregnancy. Ann Clin Psychiatry. 2019;31(1):4-16.
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