Perinatal Major Depression Biomarkers: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Perinatal depression, including postpartum depression, affects up to 15% of mothers.
• It is linked to significant social dysfunction and has complex risk factors like psychosocial stress.
• Onset typically occurs during late pregnancy or the postpartum period, posing a major health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current biological biomarkers associated with perinatal depression pathogenesis.
• To highlight the impact of suboptimal prenatal environments on offspring development and mother-child bonding.
• To explore the concept of intergenerational transmission of parental biological changes to offspring.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on perinatal depression biomarkers.
• Analysis of studies investigating psychosocial stress and biological pathways.
• Examination of evidence for intergenerational transmission mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Biological pathways underlying perinatal depression are increasingly being explored.
• Suboptimal prenatal environments can lead to lasting harm to offspring.
• Parental biological changes can influence offspring via gametes and the uterine environment.

Conclusions:

• Identifying reliable biomarkers in high-risk mothers is crucial for preventing perinatal depression.
• Understanding these biomarkers can mitigate risks for both mother and child.
• Early detection and intervention are key to improving maternal and child well-being.