Archived Comments for:
A new paradigm for depression in new mothers: the central role of inflammation and how breastfeeding and anti-inflammatory treatments protect maternal mental health
Would it be possible then, to treat some forms of depression with an anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen?
Competing interests
None declared
Ibuprofen could be an adjunct treatment
Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, University of New Hampshire
7 August 2007
I wouldn't consider anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, frontline treatments for depression. Nor would recommend trying to treat depression with ibuprofen alone. However, it could be a helpful adjunct. Ibuprofen, like aspirin, lowers risk of cardiovascular disease--most likely because it is anti-inflammatory. Because these same processes are present in depression, anti-inflammatory NSAIDs could potentially help. They also lower pain, which can indirectly lower depression risk.
International Breastfeeding Journal
Would this be possible?
7 July 2007
Would it be possible then, to treat some forms of depression with an anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen?
Competing interests
None declared
Ibuprofen could be an adjunct treatment
7 August 2007
I wouldn't consider anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, frontline treatments for depression. Nor would recommend trying to treat depression with ibuprofen alone. However, it could be a helpful adjunct. Ibuprofen, like aspirin, lowers risk of cardiovascular disease--most likely because it is anti-inflammatory. Because these same processes are present in depression, anti-inflammatory NSAIDs could potentially help. They also lower pain, which can indirectly lower depression risk.
Competing interests
None.