Purpose Of Review: Perinatal depression is a common and debilitating complication of pregnancy and childbirth. Recent studies have elucidated relationships between acute birth events on depression risk, and novel treatments for postpartum depression have been discovered and approved. This article reviews current understandings about birth events on depression, new screening standards, and novel treatments for postpartum depression.
Recent Findings: Pain, analgesia, and depression are complex traits that are inter-related during and after pregnancy. Certain individuals may benefit more than others from addressing pain and suffering around childbirth. Exposures to general anesthesia or postdural puncture headache are associated with postpartum depression symptoms, although a causal relationship is unlikely. Brexanolone, ketamine and its related compounds, and nonpharmacologic options offer new or alternative therapies for depression, although safety information for some of these treatments in pregnancy and lactation are needed. Maternal health bundles call for close attention to perinatal mental health screening with validated instruments, and for timely treatment referrals in the 'fourth trimester'.
Summary: Clinical monitoring and timely treatment of depression in the perinatal and postpartum periods is critical for maternal postpartum health and recovery. Perinatal specialists and researchers should continue to focus on tailored treatments specific to this special population.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/ACO.0000000000000998 | DOI Listing |
Cureus
December 2024
Department of Midwifery, University of West Attica, Athens, GRC.
Introduction The literature highlights the crucial role of midwives in assessing and managing perinatal mental health and in providing information to women about related issues. However, research also indicates significant gaps in midwives' knowledge and skills needed to fulfill this role. Data suggest that while midwives are interested in providing mental health support, they lack the confidence, knowledge, and training to do so effectively.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMC Med
January 2025
School of Public Health, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
Background: Maternal short-term outcomes of postpartum depression (PPD) were widely examined, but little is known about its long-term association with multiple chronic diseases (multimorbidity) in women's later life. This study aims to assess the association of PPD with chronic diseases and multimorbidity in women's mid-late life.
Methods: This prospective cohort study included female participants in UK Biobank who attended online follow-up assessment and reported their history of PPD.
BMC Psychiatry
January 2025
Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China.
Background: The study aimed to comprehensively analyze and establish a framework for evaluating the efficacy of microbiome-targeted treatment (MTT) for depression.
Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure database for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on MTT in treating depression until October 19, 2023. A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MTT.
Neuroimmunomodulation
January 2025
Background: Pregnancy and childbirth are accompanied by widespread maternal physiological adaptations and hormonal shifts, that have been suggested to result in a period of vulnerability for the development of mood disorders such as postpartum depression (PPD). There is also evidence of peripartum changes in the composition of the gut microbiota, but the potential contribution of intestinal microbes to the adaptations, or subsequent vulnerabilities, during this period are unknown.
Summary: Here we outline key pathways involved in peripartum adaptations including GABAergic signaling, oxytocin and immunomodulation that are also associated with susceptibility to mood disorders and present evidence that these pathways are modulated by gut microbes.
Arch Womens Ment Health
January 2025
Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1202 W. Johnson St, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
Purpose: Given the lack of available and effective interventions to address the detrimental consequences of perinatal exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) on maternal mental health, and reported very low access to IPV-related mental health services in Mexico, we examined the feasibility and efficacy of a culturally adapted, virtual, brief group psychosocial intervention designed to improve maternal mental and physical health and reduce IPV revictimization for pregnant women exposed to IPV. In this pilot randomized controlled trial, we evaluated maternal outcomes after participation in the Pregnant Moms' Empowerment Program (PMEP) in Mexico.
Methods: Women were recruited from social service agencies and health centers in the community, as well as social media advertisements that targeted pregnant women living in Mexico.
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