Post-Partum Depression Could Be Predicted by Marker Found in Blood of Pregnant Mothers
It is now possible to identify women who are at a particular risk for depression following the birth of their child.
The study carried out by an international team of scientists has found a marker in the blood of pregnant women which can be used to detect postpartum depression.
The scientists have identified the role of the gene oxytocin receptor may play in instances where women become increasingly vulnerable to depression.
Oxytocin is a hormone which is known to play a positive role in women who are about to undergo child birth. Oxytocin is also known to play a positive role in maternal bonding and lowers stress levels in mothers.
"We can greatly improve the outcome of this disorder with the identification of markers, biological or otherwise, that can identify women who may be at risk for its development," said senior author of the study Jessica Connelly, assistant professor of psychology at University of Virginia in the US.
"The role of the oxytocin system in maternal behaviour is well known in rodents. Our work emphasises its importance in the human maternal condition and places the epigenetic regulation of the oxytocin receptor at the forefront," said study co-author C Sue Carter, director of the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University in the US.
