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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants

Published on: June 13, 2021

Postpartum depression: an essential overview for the practitioner.

Sarah J Breese McCoy¹

¹Department of Physiology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences and College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, Tulsa, OK 74107, USA. sjmccoy98@aol.com

Southern Medical Journal

|January 6, 2011

Summary

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 13% of women, impacting maternal and infant health. Early screening and treatment by healthcare providers are crucial for positive outcomes.

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Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents

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Last Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants

Published on: June 13, 2021

Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents

Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents

Published on: June 10, 2013

Area of Science:

Obstetrics and Gynecology
Psychiatry
Public Health

Background:

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common yet underdiagnosed condition affecting approximately 13% of mothers.
PPD presents significant health risks for both mother and child, necessitating effective screening and management strategies.
Potential etiologies include hormonal fluctuations, postpartum hypothyroidism, sleep deprivation, and psychosocial stressors.

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the prevalence and impact of postpartum depression.
To emphasize the importance of accessible screening tools for PPD.
To underscore the role of healthcare providers in identifying and managing PPD.

Main Methods:

Review of current literature on PPD prevalence, causes, and treatments.
Discussion of the utility of self-administered screening tools.
Exploration of screening opportunities within obstetric, pediatric, and general practice settings.

Main Results:

Effective screening tools for PPD are readily available.
Various factors contribute to PPD, including hormonal changes and lifestyle stressors.
Healthcare providers are uniquely positioned to facilitate PPD identification and referral.

Conclusions:

Increased screening for postpartum depression is essential due to underdiagnosis rates.
Obstetricians, pediatricians, and general practitioners can significantly improve maternal and child well-being by identifying and managing PPD.
Integrated care approaches involving screening, treatment, and referrals are vital for addressing PPD effectively.