Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2025
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
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Perinatal Depression: A Review and an Update.
Anne Louise Stewart1, Jennifer L Payne1
1Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, PO Box 800548, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
The Psychiatric Clinics of North America
|July 27, 2023
Summary
Perinatal depression significantly impacts maternal and infant health. Routine screening and treatment, including medication and non-pharmacological options, are recommended for pregnant and postpartum women.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal psychiatry
- Maternal-fetal medicine
- Neuropharmacology
Background:
- Perinatal depression is a prevalent psychiatric disorder affecting pregnant and postpartum individuals.
- Untreated maternal depression poses risks to both the mother and the developing infant.
- Early identification and intervention are crucial for positive outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the importance of routine screening for perinatal depression.
- To review the risk-benefit analysis of antidepressant use during pregnancy and lactation.
- To discuss current and emerging treatment strategies for perinatal depression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on perinatal depression screening and management.
- Analysis of risk-benefit profiles for pharmacotherapy in pregnancy and lactation.
- Exploration of non-pharmacological and novel pharmacological interventions.
Main Results:
- Screening for perinatal depression is feasible and should be integrated into routine care.
- The benefits of treating maternal depression often outweigh the risks associated with necessary medications.
- New treatments targeting the GABAergic system show promise.
Conclusions:
- Routine screening and timely treatment are essential for managing perinatal depression.
- Antidepressant use during pregnancy and lactation is generally favorable compared to untreated depression.
- Advancements in treatment, including novel GABAergic agents, offer new therapeutic avenues.
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