Neuroimaging biomarkers in postpartum depression: A comprehensive review of structural, functional, and metabolic
Linfeng Yang1, Qingqing Wang2, Rui Yang2
1The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a significant perinatal mood disorder affecting many new mothers in the first postpartum year. It is characterized by emotional, cognitive, and behavioral changes, often leading to delayed diagnosis due to nonspecific symptoms. PPD arises from a complex interplay of neuroendocrine, genetic, and psychosocial factors. Advances in neuroimaging have revealed structural, functional, and metabolic brain alterations associated with PPD. Specifically, structural MRI studies have shown gray matter volume changes in regions such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and anterior insula, as well as white matter integrity changes in tracts like the internal capsule and cingulum. Functional MRI studies have revealed abnormal activity in regions including the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex, with altered functional connectivity within networks such as the default mode network. Metabolic studies using MRS and PET have identified imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, glutamate, and GABA, as well as changes in brain metabolism.This review synthesizes these findings, highlighting potential biomarkers and implications for targeted treatments. Future research should focus on multimodal approaches, larger sample sizes, and longitudinal studies to further elucidate PPD's neurobiological basis and improve diagnosis and treatment.
Postpartum Depression (PPD) is a significant perinatal mood disorder affecting many new mothers in the first postpartum year. It is characterized by emotional, cognitive, and behavioral changes, often leading to delayed diagnosis due to nonspecific symptoms. PPD arises from a complex interplay of neuroendocrine, genetic, and psychosocial factors. Advances in neuroimaging have revealed structural, functional, and metabolic brain alterations associated with PPD. Specifically, structural MRI studies have shown gray matter volume changes in regions such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and anterior insula, as well as white matter integrity changes in tracts like the internal capsule and cingulum. Functional MRI studies have revealed abnormal activity in regions including the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex, with altered functional connectivity within networks such as the default mode network. Metabolic studies using MRS and PET have identified imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin, glutamate, and GABA, as well as changes in brain metabolism.This review synthesizes these findings, highlighting potential biomarkers and implications for targeted treatments. Future research should focus on multimodal approaches, larger sample sizes, and longitudinal studies to further elucidate PPD's neurobiological basis and improve diagnosis and treatment.
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