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Intergenerational transmission of depression: clinical observations and molecular mechanisms

Kristi M Sawyer1, Patricia A Zunszain1, Paola Dazzan2

  • 1Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.

Molecular Psychiatry
|October 5, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Maternal mental illness during pregnancy impacts infant development and intergenerational psychopathology. Understanding molecular mechanisms like epigenetic changes can improve outcomes for mothers and children.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal Psychiatry
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Molecular Psychiatry

Background:

  • Maternal mental illness profoundly affects perinatal infant care and relationship formation.
  • Perinatal depression has significant implications for offspring physical and behavioral development.
  • Psychopathology can transmit across generations from mother to child.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review clinical evidence on the effects of perinatal depression on offspring.
  • To evaluate factors influencing the mother-infant mental health relationship.
  • To explore molecular mechanisms mediating these effects.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of clinical evidence.
  • Analysis of influencing factors: genetics, medication, timing, fetal sex, maltreatment.
  • Examination of molecular mechanisms: epigenetic and biomarker changes.

Main Results:

  • Perinatal depression affects offspring physical and behavioral development.
  • Genetic factors, psychotropic medication, and childhood maltreatment influence the mother-offspring relationship.
  • Epigenetic and biomarker changes in glucocorticoid, oxytocin, estrogen, and immune systems are key mediators.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding molecular pathways is crucial for improving maternal and child mental health outcomes.
  • Interventions targeting these mechanisms can prevent intergenerational psychopathology.
  • Further research into biological mediators will enhance perinatal mental healthcare.

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