Contrasting Neurobiological and Psychosocial Pathways in Postpartum Depression Treatment- Zuranolone Versus Exercise: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

A serious mental illness that affects women in the first year after giving birth is postpartum depression (PPD). Women's mental and physical well-being is seriously compromised. Environmental variables, such as prior negative life events, a history of anxiety and depression, social roles, psychological features, and coping methods, are known to impact the likelihood of major depressive disorder (MDD) in both males and females. Long-term exposure to air pollution, underdeveloped neighbourhoods, and high pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) are other variables that have been demonstrated to increase the occurrence of PPD. On August 4, 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Zuranolone, also referred to as Zurzuvae, as a pharmacological agent for the treatment of PPD. It targets both the intrasynaptic and extracellular Gamma-aminobutyric acid type -A (GABA-A) receptors. Exercise was also found to improve psychological well-being, quality of life, and sleep, while improving physical fitness, with very minimal adverse effects, hence a safe and accessible treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Zuranolone versus exercise for managing PPD and to inform postpartum women and healthcare workers with the available sufficient evidence-based approach.