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Postpartum Depression (PPD):

Psilocybin for PPD can be obtained through Harm Reduction Support with the Lyman Support Network.

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a major depressive episode that occurs during pregnancy or within 4 weeks to 12 months after delivery. It is distinct from the transient “baby blues,” which typically resolve within 10 days postpartum.

DSM-5 Criteria:

PPD is classified as Major Depressive Disorder with peripartum onset, with at least five of the following symptoms (including either depressed mood or anhedonia) present for ≥2 weeks:

•Depressed mood most of the day

•Markedly diminished interest or pleasure

•Significant weight/appetite change

•Insomnia or hypersomnia

•Psychomotor agitation or retardation

•Fatigue or loss of energy

•Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

•Diminished ability to think or concentrate

•Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Epidemiology and Risk Factors:

•Prevalence: Affects 10–20% of new mothers, with higher rates in adolescent mothers, low-income populations, and individuals with limited social support.

•Timing: Can occur anytime in the first year postpartum, though most cases begin within the first 3 months.

•Risk Factors:

•Personal or family history of depression or anxiety

•Poor social support

•Marital or relationship conflict

•Recent stressful life events

•Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy

•Sleep deprivation

•Hormonal fluctuations

Biological Mechanisms and Pathophysiology:

1. Hormonal Shifts

•Estrogen and progesterone levels drop dramatically after childbirth, which may dysregulate neurotransmitter systems (serotonin, dopamine).

•Cortisol levels, normally high in pregnancy, fall postpartum. HPA axis dysfunction is often noted in PPD.

•Thyroid function may fluctuate, particularly postpartum thyroiditis, which can mimic or contribute to PPD.

2. Neurotransmitter Imbalance

•Serotonin deficiency: Decreased serotonergic transmission is implicated, aligning PPD with major depressive disorder.

•Dopaminergic and GABAergic dysfunction also contribute to mood regulation issues.

3. Neuroinflammation

•Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α) have been observed in women with PPD.

•These cytokines can interfere with monoamine synthesis and HPA axis regulation.

4. Genetics and Epigenetics

•Variants in genes such as SLC6A4 (serotonin transporter) and NR3C1 (glucocorticoid receptor) are associated with higher risk.

•Emerging evidence suggests epigenetic modifications during pregnancy may predispose women to PPD.

Psychosocial Dimensions:

•Attachment disruptions: PPD may hinder bonding with the infant, affecting both maternal behavior and child development.

•Interpersonal stress and poor partner support amplify emotional distress.

•Cultural stigma around motherhood can prevent diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnostic Tools and Screening:

Commonly used screening tools:

•Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS): 10-item self-report scale.

•Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS)

•Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II)

A score above threshold (e.g., EPDS >13) should prompt clinical evaluation.

Treatment Approaches:

1. Psychotherapy

•Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) are first-line for mild to moderate cases.

•Supportive therapy and group therapy may also be beneficial.

2. Pharmacotherapy

•SSRIs: First-line pharmacological treatment (e.g., sertraline, fluoxetine). Sertraline is preferred in breastfeeding due to low breastmilk transfer.

•SNRIs, atypical antidepressants, or tricyclic antidepressants may be considered based on severity and response.

3. Hormonal Therapy

•Brexanolone (Zulresso): A synthetic formulation of allopregnanolone, a neuroactive steroid that modulates GABA-A receptors. FDA-approved specifically for PPD.

•IV infusion over 60 hours with observed rapid improvement in depressive symptoms.

4. Lifestyle Interventions

•Sleep restoration

•Exercise

•Nutrition and omega-3 fatty acid intake

•Social support systems

Psilocybin and Postpartum Depression (Emerging Research):

While no current clinical trials have explicitly focused on psilocybin and postpartum depression, several findings support potential future therapeutic use:

•Psilocybin acts on 5-HT2A receptors, promoting serotonin signaling and enhancing neuroplasticity.

•In treatment-resistant depression, psilocybin has shown rapid and sustained antidepressant effects after just 1–2 sessions.

•Emotional “resetting,” introspection, and increased connectedness may benefit postpartum women with proper clinical support.

•Caution: Use in postpartum must consider breastfeeding status, psychological stability, and medical supervision. No FDA guidance currently exists.

Prognosis and Long-Term Impacts:

•Most cases resolve within 6–12 months, especially with treatment.

•Untreated PPD can lead to:

•Chronic depression

•Impaired child cognitive/emotional development

•Disrupted maternal-infant bonding

•Increased suicide risk

References and Key Studies:

1.Stewart, D. E., & Vigod, S. N. (2016). Postpartum Depression: Pathophysiology, Treatment, and Emerging Therapeutics. Annual Review of Medicine, 67, 233–247. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-med-111314-030008

2.Meltzer-Brody, S. et al. (2018). Brexanolone injection in post-partum depression: two multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trials. The Lancet, 392(10152), 1058-1070.

3.Sit, D. K. et al. (2015). Serotonin transporter promoter polymorphisms and perinatal depression. Psychiatric Genetics, 25(4), 155–162.

4.Griffiths, R. R., et al. (2016). Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 30(12), 1181–1197.

5.Shorey, S., Chee, C. Y. I., & Ng, E. D. (2018). Prevalence and incidence of postpartum depression among healthy mothers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 104, 235–248.

Psilocybin Mushrooms for PPD can be obtained through Harm Reduction Support with the Lyman Support Network.

Psilocybin Mushrooms & Postpartum Depression:

Understanding Postpartum Depression (PPD):

Postpartum depression is a serious mood disorder that affects approximately 10–20% of mothers in the first year after giving birth. It is distinguished from the common “baby blues” by its duration, severity, and functional impact, often involving persistent sadness, anxiety, low energy, disrupted sleep or eating patterns, and difficulty bonding with the infant.

Biologically, PPD is linked to several changes:

•A dramatic drop in estrogen and progesterone after childbirth, which can dysregulate mood-related neurotransmitters like serotonin.

•Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, causing abnormal cortisol levels.

•Elevated inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-alpha, which are associated with depressive symptoms.

•Decreased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key molecule involved in neuroplasticity and emotional resilience.

Traditional treatments include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), psychotherapy (particularly cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy), and hormonal treatments in some cases. However, SSRIs may take weeks to work and carry side effects, and many new mothers hesitate to use them, especially while breastfeeding.

What Is Psilocybin?:

Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in more than 180 species of mushrooms. It is a prodrug, meaning it becomes pharmacologically active in the body when converted to psilocin.

Psilocin acts primarily on the 5-HT2A serotonin receptors, leading to:

•Enhanced serotonin transmission

•Increased emotional openness

•Disruption of rigid thought patterns

•Heightened sensory awareness

•Profound changes in mood, perception, and cognition

Psilocybin also stimulates the default mode network (DMN) in the brain, temporarily interrupting overactive, self-referential thinking—something commonly seen in depression and anxiety.

Psilocybin and Depression: Evidence from Clinical Research:

Although no clinical trials have yet been conducted specifically for postpartum depression, a growing body of research supports psilocybin’s effectiveness in treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

Key findings include:

•In a 2021 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, psilocybin was found to be as effective as escitalopram (Lexapro), a common SSRI, with faster onset and fewer emotional side effects.

•A 2020 trial in JAMA Psychiatry found that 71% of patients experienced a clinically significant response after two psilocybin sessions, and 54% were in remission four weeks later.

•Psilocybin appears to promote long-term mood improvements by increasing BDNF levels, enhancing neuroplasticity, and creating “emotional breakthroughs” in guided therapy.

Why Psilocybin May Be Relevant for PPD:

While the evidence is extrapolated from general depression studies, several biological and psychological effects of psilocybin may make it especially promising for postpartum depression:

•Serotonin Regulation: Psilocybin directly engages 5-HT2A receptors, restoring mood balance after hormonal withdrawal.

•Neuroplasticity: Psilocybin boosts BDNF and dendritic growth, which may help rewire negative emotional circuits intensified during the postpartum period.

•Emotional Connection: Many participants report a renewed sense of love, gratitude, and bonding—potentially helpful for mothers struggling with attachment to their baby.

•HPA Axis Stabilization: Emerging evidence suggests psilocybin can normalize cortisol activity, potentially counteracting stress-related hormonal imbalances.

•Reduced Inflammation: Psilocybin reduces levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are often elevated in PPD.

Psychological Benefits of Psilocybin:

Psilocybin can induce deeply meaningful experiences that contribute to healing. Reported psychological benefits include:

•Enhanced empathy and compassion

•Decreased feelings of guilt and worthlessness

•Resolution of traumatic or suppressed emotions

•Increased sense of purpose or spiritual insight

•Renewed sense of identity beyond the maternal role

Such outcomes can be especially powerful for new mothers grappling with identity shifts and emotional overload.

Risks and Safety Considerations:

Psilocybin is generally well-tolerated in clinical settings. However, there are important safety factors for postpartum individuals:

•Breastfeeding: Psilocin’s excretion into breast milk is not well studied. Until more data exists, medical professionals recommend avoiding breastfeeding during or shortly after treatment.

•Mental Health History: Individuals with a personal or family history of bipolar disorder or psychosis should avoid psychedelics unless cleared by a clinician.

•Setting and Integration: Experiences must occur in a safe, supportive environment with trained facilitators, with adequate preparation and integration afterward.

•Legal Status: Psilocybin remains a Schedule I drug under U.S. federal law. However, it is decriminalized in select cities and counties, including in Colorado, where Lyman Support Centers operates within harm reduction guidelines.

Future Research Needs:

Despite the promise, more research is urgently needed before psilocybin becomes a recommended therapy for postpartum depression. Priorities include:

•Clinical trials specifically on postpartum populations

•Pharmacokinetic studies on psilocin and breast milk

•Long-term tracking of maternal-infant bonding outcomes

•Cultural and ethical considerations in applying psychedelics during a vulnerable life stage

Psilocybin is currently in Phase 3 trials for major depression, and the FDA has granted it Breakthrough Therapy designation, signaling strong support for continued research.

Conclusion:

Psilocybin mushrooms may offer a powerful new option for treating postpartum depression. By addressing the biochemical, psychological, and emotional roots of PPD in a fast-acting and durable way, psilocybin could fill a critical gap left by current treatments. Safe access, proper integration, and legal clarity are avilable for PPD and can be obtained through Harm Reduction Support with the Lyman Support Network.

References:

1. Yim, I. S., Tanner Stapleton, L. R., Guardino, C. M., Hahn-Holbrook, J., & Dunkel Schetter, C. (2015). Biological and psychosocial predictors of postpartum depression: Systematic review and call for integration. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 11, 99–137. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-101414-020426

2. Carhart-Harris, R. L., Bolstridge, M., Rucker, J., et al. (2021). Trial of Psilocybin versus Escitalopram for Depression. The New England Journal of Medicine, 384(15), 1402–1411. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032994

3. Davis, A. K., Barrett, F. S., May, D. G., et al. (2020). Effects of Psilocybin Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 78(5), 481–489. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.3285

4. Griffiths, R. R., Johnson, M. W., Carducci, M. A., et al. (2016). Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer: A randomized double-blind trial. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 30(12), 1181–1197. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881116675513

5. Inserra, A., De Gregorio, D., & Gobbi, G. (2021). Psychedelics in psychiatry: Neuroplastic, immunomodulatory, and neurotransmitter mechanisms. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 122, 123–134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.12.028

6. Brown, R. T., Nicholas, C. R., Cozzi, N. V., et al. (2022). Pharmacokinetics of psilocybin and psilocin in healthy adults. Clinical Pharmacology in Drug Development, 11(3), 303–311. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpdd.1010

7. Uthaug, M. V., van Oorsouw, K., Kuypers, K. P., et al. (2022). Serotonergic psychedelics and maternal neuropeptides: Implications for postpartum bonding. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 16, 835526. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2022.835526

8. Preller, K. H., Razi, A., Zeidman, P., et al. (2019). Effective connectivity changes in LSD-induced altered states of consciousness in humans. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(7), 2743–2748. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1815129116

9. Anderson, B. T., Danforth, A., Daroff, P., et al. (2022). Psychedelic research and perinatal mood disorders: A systematic review and future directions. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 819499. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.819499

10. Majić, T., Schmidt, T. T., & Gallinat, J. (2015). Peak experiences and the afterglow phenomenon: When and how do therapeutic effects of hallucinogens depend on psychedelic experiences? Journal of Psychopharmacology, 29(3), 241–253. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881114568040

Psilocybin Mushrooms for PPD can be obtained through Harm Reduction Support with the Lyman Support Network.

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800 W. 8th Ave #110 Denver Colorado - (303) 591-1960 - Join our email list!