-
Translational Psychiatry Nov 2023It remains inconclusive whether postpartum depression (PPD) and depression with onset outside the postpartum period (MDD) are genetically distinct disorders. We aimed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
It remains inconclusive whether postpartum depression (PPD) and depression with onset outside the postpartum period (MDD) are genetically distinct disorders. We aimed to investigate whether polygenic risk scores (PGSs) for major mental disorders differ between PPD cases and MDD cases in a nested case-control study of 50,057 women born from 1981 to 1997 in the iPSYCH2015 sample in Demark. We identified 333 women with first-onset postpartum depression (PPD group), who were matched with 993 women with first-onset depression diagnosed outside of postpartum (MDD group), and 999 female population controls. Data on genetics and depressive disorders were retrieved from neonatal biobanks and the Psychiatric Central Research Register. PGSs were calculated from both individual-level genetic data and meta-analysis summary statistics from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR), accounting for the selection-related reproductive behavior. After adjustment for covariates, higher PGSs for severe mental disorders were associated with increased ORs of both PPD and MDD. Compared with MDD cases, MDD PGS and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder PGS were marginally but not statistically higher for PPD cases, with the OR of PPD versus MDD being 1.12 (95% CI: 0 .97-1.29) and 1.11 (0.97-1.27) per-standard deviation increase, respectively. The ORs of PPD versus MDD did not statistically differ by PGSs of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or autism spectrum disorder. Our findings suggest that relying on PGS data, there was no clear evidence of distinct genetic make-up of women with depression occurring during or outside postpartum, after taking the selection-related reproductive behavior into account.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Humans; Female; Depression, Postpartum; Case-Control Studies; Depressive Disorder, Major; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Postpartum Period; Risk Factors
PubMed: 37953300
DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02649-2 -
JAMA Network Open Oct 2023Women are especially vulnerable to mental health matters post partum because of biological, emotional, and social changes during this period. However, epidemiologic...
IMPORTANCE
Women are especially vulnerable to mental health matters post partum because of biological, emotional, and social changes during this period. However, epidemiologic evidence of an association between air pollution exposure and postpartum depression (PPD) is limited.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the associations between antepartum and postpartum maternal air pollution exposure and PPD.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This retrospective cohort study used data from Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) electronic health records and included women who had singleton live births at KPSC facilities between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2016. Data were analyzed between January 1 and May 10, 2023.
EXPOSURES
Ambient air pollution exposures were assessed based on maternal residential addresses using monthly averages of particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM2.5), particulate matter less than or equal to 10 μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) from spatial interpolation of monitoring station measurements. Constituents of PM2.5 (sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, organic matter, and black carbon) were obtained from fine-resolution geoscience-derived models based on satellite, ground-based monitor, and chemical transport modeling data.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Participants with an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score of 10 or higher during the 6 months after giving birth were referred to a clinical interview for further assessment and diagnosis. Ascertainment of PPD was defined using a combination of diagnostic codes and prescription medications.
RESULTS
The study included 340 679 participants (mean [SD] age, 30.05 [5.81] years), with 25 674 having PPD (7.54%). Increased risks for PPD were observed to be associated with per-IQR increases in antepartum and postpartum exposures to O3 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.09; 95% CI, 1.06-1.12), PM10 (AOR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.04), and PM2.5 (AOR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1. 00-1.03) but not with NO2; PPD risks were mainly associated with PM2.5 organic matter and black carbon. Overall, a higher risk of PPD was associated with O3 during the entire pregnancy and postpartum periods and with PM exposure during the late pregnancy and postpartum periods.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
The study findings suggest that long-term exposure to antepartum and postpartum air pollution was associated with higher PPD risks. Identifying the modifiable environmental risk factors and developing interventions are important public health issues to improve maternal mental health and alleviate the disease burden of PPD.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Adult; Air Pollutants; Environmental Exposure; Retrospective Studies; Nitrogen Dioxide; Depression, Postpartum; Air Pollution; Particulate Matter; Postpartum Period; Ozone; Carbon
PubMed: 37851440
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.38315 -
Cureus Sep 2023Postpartum mood disorders (PMD) are currently among the leading causes of maternal postpartum morbidity and mortality. PMD include the conditions of postpartum blues... (Review)
Review
Postpartum mood disorders (PMD) are currently among the leading causes of maternal postpartum morbidity and mortality. PMD include the conditions of postpartum blues (PB), postpartum depression (PPD), and postpartum psychosis. The pathogenesis of PMDs are ambiguous, and there are no reliable prenatal predictive markers despite current research efforts. Even though reliable indicators have not been found, leading ideas suggest an etiology of hormonal fluctuations. Although thyroid markers have long been linked to psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD), how they correlate with PMDs is still unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the pathophysiological link between thyroid function, PMDs, and the usefulness of thyroid markers as indicators of their occurrence and severity. The methodology consisted of a narrative literature review. Several inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to filter the results of literature searches in PubMed. Studies were included if they discussed any marker related to thyroid endocrinology in relation to the incidence or pathophysiology of any PMD. Both primary and secondary analyses were included. The permissive inclusion criteria were used due to the relative scarcity of research on the topic and the ambiguous pathophysiology of PMD. The results demonstrated the potential utility of thyroid autoimmunity as a predictor of late-onset PPD. Hypothyroidism, low euthyroid hormone levels, and the presence of thyroid autoantibodies were correlated with increased incidence of PPD and late postpartum depressive symptoms, past the timeline of PB. Most notably a rapid postpartum drop in cortisol level may precipitate thyroid autoimmunity in anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody positive women, which could eventually produce a hypothyroid phase associated with depressive symptoms. There was insufficient evidence to suggest a relationship with postpartum psychosis. In conclusion, the exact pathophysiological mechanisms of PMDs remain ambiguous, but TPO-antibodies in the third trimester may be a predictor of late PPD.
PubMed: 37868409
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45554 -
Maternal and Child Health Journal Dec 2023Postpartum depression (PPD) has deleterious effects on both maternal and child outcomes. Poor maternal nutrition during pregnancy has been implicated in the development...
OBJECTIVE
Postpartum depression (PPD) has deleterious effects on both maternal and child outcomes. Poor maternal nutrition during pregnancy has been implicated in the development of PPD. This review aimed to explore the association between the overall dietary intake patterns during pregnancy and the development of PPD.
METHODS
A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases for relevant randomized controlled trials, cohort and cross-sectional studies published up to 17th September 2020. Included studies assessed at least one dietary pattern during pregnancy and reported on PPD. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale and the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools were used to assess the quality of methodology. A narrative analysis was conducted.
RESULTS
Ten studies (eight cohort and two cross-sectional) were included with substantial heterogeneity in measurements of dietary intake exposures and PPD. The studies identified several types of healthy dietary patterns, including a 'healthy', 'health conscious', 'Japanese', 'high-glycemic index/glycemic load', 'Vegetable', 'Nut-Fruit', 'Seafood', and 'compliance with the Australian Dietary Guidelines'. The 'Western', 'unhealthy', 'Beverage', 'Cereal-Meat', and 'Egg' were labelled as unhealthy dietary patterns. Four of the eight studies showed an inverse association between adherence to healthy diets and risk of PPD, whereas only one of the seven studies showed that adherence to unhealthy diets was associated with increased risk of PPD. Methodological quality of the studies varied across the sample.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings indicate that adherence to a healthy diet may be beneficial for PPD. However, the relationship between unhealthy diets and PPD needs to be corroborated by more high-quality studies.
Topics: Child; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Australia; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression, Postpartum; Diet; Diet, Healthy
PubMed: 37814068
DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03781-7 -
Cureus Jul 2023Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common and debilitating mental health condition affecting many mothers worldwide. This review article aims to explore the complex... (Review)
Review
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common and debilitating mental health condition affecting many mothers worldwide. This review article aims to explore the complex effects of PPD on mothers and infants, focusing on maternal care. The transition to motherhood is a critical period characterized by numerous physical, psychological, and social changes, making women vulnerable to the onset of PPD. Consequently, PPD can significantly impact a mother's ability to provide optimal care for her infant, leading to potential adverse consequences for both parties. The article synthesizes existing research literature on the topic, encompassing studies from various disciplines, including psychology, psychiatry, obstetrics, and pediatrics. It begins by providing an overview of the prevalence and risk factors associated with PPD, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention. The impact of PPD on maternal caregiving behaviors, such as bonding, sensitivity, and responsiveness, is then examined, highlighting the potential disruptions in the mother-infant relationship. Furthermore, the article delves into the potential consequences of impaired maternal care on infant development, including emotional, cognitive, and social domains. Several factors contributing to the complex interplay between PPD and maternal care are discussed, including hormonal changes, psychosocial stressors, and the influence of social support networks. The review also addresses the bidirectional nature of the mother-infant relationship, whereby infant characteristics and behaviors can exacerbate or mitigate the effects of PPD on maternal care. Moreover, the article explores the role of healthcare providers and the importance of implementing effective screening, assessment, and treatment strategies for PPD to promote optimal maternal-infant outcomes. By consolidating current knowledge on the topic, this review article provides valuable insights into the multifaceted effects of PPD on both mothers and infants. Recognizing the significance of maternal care and understanding the mechanisms through which PPD disrupts it can inform the development of targeted interventions to promote early detection, effective treatment, and supportive interventions for mothers experiencing PPD. Ultimately, improving maternal mental health and enhancing maternal-infant relationships can yield long-term positive effects on mothers' and infants' well-being and development.
PubMed: 37546054
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41381 -
Nutrients Sep 2023Postpartum depression, with a prevalence ranging between 14% and 25% worldwide, has been considered an urgent health concern that negatively affects both mothers' and...
Postpartum Depression Is Associated with Maternal Sociodemographic and Anthropometric Characteristics, Perinatal Outcomes, Breastfeeding Practices, and Mediterranean Diet Adherence.
UNLABELLED
Postpartum depression, with a prevalence ranging between 14% and 25% worldwide, has been considered an urgent health concern that negatively affects both mothers' and their infants' health. Postpartum depression may negatively affect maternal sociodemographic and anthropometric parameters and lifestyle factors. Nutrition has recently been identified as a crucial factor for the management and co-treatment of postpartum depression. This survey aims to determine the possible association of postpartum depression with mothers' socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics, perinatal outcomes, breastfeeding practices, and Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence.
METHODS
This is a cross-sectional survey, which was performed on 3941 women during the postpartum period. Postpartum depression was assessed by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Anthropometric parameters and perinatal outcomes were retrieved from mothers' medical records. Sociodemographic data and breastfeeding practices were recorded by face-to-face interviews between enrolled mothers and trained personnel. Mediterranean diet adherence was assessed by MedDietScore. Both univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression were applied for analyzing our data.
RESULTS
Postpartum depression was significantly associated with lower educational level, Greek nationality, higher prevalence of multiparity and overweight/obesity postpartum, higher incidence of caesarean section and not breastfeeding, and lower levels of MD adherence. In multivariate analysis, postpartum depression was independently associated with mothers' educational level, postpartum BMI status, type of delivery, breastfeeding practices, and MD adherence after adjusting for multiple confounding factors.
CONCLUSIONS
This study has provided evidence that elevated MD compliance was related to a decreased risk of postpartum depression. Additionally, postpartum depression was associated with multiple sociodemographic and anthropometric parameters, perinatal outcomes, and breastfeeding practices. Future well-designed, prospective studies with high-quality methodology should be performed to obtain conclusive results.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant; Female; Humans; Depression, Postpartum; Cesarean Section; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet, Mediterranean; Prospective Studies; Mothers
PubMed: 37686885
DOI: 10.3390/nu15173853 -
Heliyon Oct 2023Previous observational research has documented an association between age at first childbirth (AFB) and postpartum depression (PPD). However, the causal relationship...
BACKGROUND
Previous observational research has documented an association between age at first childbirth (AFB) and postpartum depression (PPD). However, the causal relationship remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the causal effects of AFB on PPD using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
METHODS
Three sets of instrumental variables were obtained from the United Kingdom Biobank (UK Biobank), Neale Lab consortium and a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the PPD phenotype were obtained from the Finngen consortium, which included 13,657 cases and 236,178 controls. Inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, weighted mode, and MR-Egger methods to evaluate causal effects. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q test and funnel plots. Horizontal pleiotropy and sensitivity were assessed using the MR-Egger intercept test and "leave-one-out" analysis, respectively. Further meta-analysis was performed to validate the robustness of this relationship. Additionally, the potential mediating effects of risk factors associated with PPD were analyzed.
RESULTS
Strong causal effects between AFB and PPD was found in both IVW and weighted median methods, which was further supported by meta-analysis (IVW, odds ratio [OR] 0.59 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36-0.96, p = 0.03]; weighted median, OR 0.59 [95% CI 0.37-0.95, p = 0.03]). The power of the MR supports the robustness of the findings. Heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was not observed. Major depressive disorders, family income levels, and marital stress were identified as potential mediating factors in the causal relationships.
CONCLUSION
Results of MR analysis supported the causal effect of increased AFB in reducing the risk for PPD.
PubMed: 37790979
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20500 -
Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience Dec 2023Postpartum depression has deleterious effects on childbearing persons globally. Existing treatments have been largely extrapolated from those for other forms of... (Review)
Review
Postpartum depression has deleterious effects on childbearing persons globally. Existing treatments have been largely extrapolated from those for other forms of depression and have included pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and neuromodulation. Hormonal treatments with oestrogen and progestogens, thought to be a rational approach to treatment in response to an emerging literature on the pathophysiology of postpartum depression, have only limited evidence for efficacy to date. Novel antidepressant development with allopregnanolone analogues, in contrast, has proven a promising avenue for the development of rationally designed and efficacious treatments. This state-of-the-art review presents the evidence for the current standard-of-care pharmacotherapy, hormonal treatment, and emerging allopregnanolone analogues for the treatment of postpartum depression along with a discussion of the current understanding of its neuroactive steroid-driven pathophysiology.
Topics: Female; Humans; Depression, Postpartum; Pregnanolone; Antidepressive Agents; Psychotherapy
PubMed: 37796239
DOI: 10.1080/19585969.2023.2262464 -
Preventing Chronic Disease Nov 2023Postpartum depression is a serious public health problem that can adversely impact mother-child interactions. Few studies have examined depressive symptoms in the later...
INTRODUCTION
Postpartum depression is a serious public health problem that can adversely impact mother-child interactions. Few studies have examined depressive symptoms in the later (9-10 months) postpartum period.
METHODS
We analyzed data from the 2019 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) linked with data from a telephone follow-up survey administered to PRAMS respondents 9 to 10 months postpartum in 7 states (N = 1,954). We estimated the prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS) at 9 to 10 months overall and by sociodemographic characteristics, prior depression (before or during pregnancy), PDS at 2 to 6 months, and other mental health characteristics. We used unadjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) to examine associations between those characteristics and PDS at 9 to 10 months. We also examined prevalence and associations with PDS at both time periods.
RESULTS
Prevalence of PDS at 9 to 10 months was 7.2%. Of those with PDS at 9 to 10 months, 57.4% had not reported depressive symptoms at 2 to 6 months. Prevalence of PDS at 9 to 10 months was associated with having Medicaid insurance postpartum (PR = 2.34; P = .001), prior depression (PR = 4.03; P <.001), and current postpartum anxiety (PR = 3.58; P <.001). Prevalence of PDS at both time periods was 3.1%. Of those with PDS at both time periods, 68.5% had prior depression.
CONCLUSION
Nearly 3 in 5 women with PDS at 9 to 10 months did not report PDS at 2 to 6 months. Screening for depression throughout the first postpartum year can identify women who are not symptomatic early in the postpartum period but later develop symptoms.
Topics: Pregnancy; United States; Female; Humans; Depression; Postpartum Period; Depression, Postpartum; Risk Assessment; Prevalence
PubMed: 37943725
DOI: 10.5888/pcd20.230107