The Influence of genetic factors on peripartum depression: A systematic review

This systematic review aimed to explore the potential influence of genetic factors on the symptoms of peripartum depression and to critically analyze the methodologies employed by the examined studies.

A systematic review of the literature indexed prior to July 2014 identified 200 articles. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 39 papers were included.

The papers predominantly featured a molecular genetic approach (n=35), and the majority examined polymorphisms (n=27). Most studies used samples of Caucasians living in high income countries. The results suggest that the influence of genetic factors become more consistent when methodological variations among the studies are considered. Environmental stressors are also important variables that influence the relationship between genetic factors and peripartum depressive states. In addition, differences in the influence of genetic factors were observed depending upon the precise time point during pregnancy or the postpartum period that was examined in the studies. The late stages of pregnancy and the early postpartum period were times of greater genetic vulnerability.

This study was limited by the small number of papers reviewed and by the lack of information regarding whether the effects of genetics on peripartum depression are specific to certain ethnicities and/or stressors.

Genetic studies of perinatal depression reinforce a pathophysiological role of the hormonal changes inherent in the childbirth period. However, the distinction between depressive episodes that begin during pregnancy from those that begin during the postpartum period can still be useful to improve our understanding of the physiopathology of depressive disorders.