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Related Concept Videos

Depression: Overview01:18

Depression: Overview

Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
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Depressive Disorders: Etiology

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Long-term Depression01:05

Long-term Depression

Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Long-term Depression01:03

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Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
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Bipolar Disorder

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Updated: May 14, 2026

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
06:39

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: current status and future directions.

Michael W O'Hara1, Jennifer E McCabe

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA. mike-ohara@uiowa.edu

Annual Review of Clinical Psychology
|February 12, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 13-19% of mothers, posing risks to both maternal and infant well-being. Early detection and interventions, including psychological treatments and breastfeeding-safe medications, are crucial for effective management and prevention.

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Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents
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Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents

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A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
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A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting

Published on: January 12, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 14, 2026

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
06:39

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
07:30

Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents

Published on: June 10, 2013

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
14:43

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting

Published on: January 12, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Psychiatry
  • Perinatal Mental Health
  • Clinical Psychology

Background:

  • Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental health issue affecting 13-19% of mothers.
  • It carries risks for maternal suffering and adverse infant outcomes.
  • Hormonal changes postpartum are a unique risk factor.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of postpartum depression.
  • To discuss risk factors, prevalence, and treatment options.
  • To highlight recommendations for screening, prevention, and integrated care.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of controlled trials for psychological interventions.
  • Analysis of medication efficacy in controlled trials.
  • Synthesis of research and clinical recommendations.

Main Results:

  • Psychological interventions (individual and group) are validated treatments.
  • Medication shows some improvement, but controlled trials show limited differences vs. placebo.
  • Specific antidepressants are recommended for breastfeeding mothers.
  • PPD prevention strategies are feasible and effective.

Conclusions:

  • Integrated mental health screening in primary care for pregnant and postpartum women is recommended.
  • Follow-up care, treatment, or referral are essential after screening.
  • Evidence supports psychological interventions and specific medications for PPD management.