India, July 8 -- Nearly one in five women faces depression or anxiety during pregnancy or after birth, with serious risks for mothers and babies.

A new psychedelic drug, luvesilocin, modeled on psilocin, has shown rapid, sometimes near-complete relief of postpartum depression in FDA Phase 2 trials.

Granted breakthrough therapy status, it could transform treatment if confirmed in larger Phase 3 studies.

About 1 in 5 women will experience depression and anxiety during pregnancy or in the year after giving birth. If untreated, a mother who has these conditions has a higher risk of birth complications, overall poorer health, impaired bonding and nurturing of her infant, and a higher risk of death by suicide.

But a new treatment moving thr...