Anhedonia Symptoms and High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) Several Years Postpartum

Despite adverse maternal and child consequences, postpartum depression 1.6-3 years post-delivery remains poorly understood, particularly anhedonia (lack of interest or pleasure), which can harm maternal-child relationships. Understanding the biological pathways underlying maternal depression and identifying biomarkers that contribute to its diverse symptoms is essential.

This study investigated relations between hs-CRP levels and symptoms of depression in mothers 1.6-3 years post-delivery (N = 49), and examined associations between specific symptoms of depression and hs-CRP.

Clinically elevated symptoms of depression were present in 14.2%. Symptoms of depression were not significantly associated with maternal characteristics but were associated with having a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission, maternal age, and a recent history of mental illness. Greater depression and anhedonia symptoms were associated with greater levels of hs-CRP (r = 0.308, p < 0.05; r = 0.314, p < 0.05, respectively). Adjusting for maternal age, BMI, months postpartum, and pregnancy status, elevated depression (not anhedonia) remained associated with higher levels of hs-CRP (β = 0.342, p < 0.05).

Women with clinically elevated symptoms of depression had significantly higher levels of hs-CRP, suggesting that it may be an important inflammatory biomarker for symptoms of depression 1-3 years post-delivery and helps identify those in need of follow up.