Risk of Mood and Anxiety Disorders in the Postpartum Period Following Assisted Reproduction: A Retrospective Cohort
Marisa R Imbroane1, Hanna Kim2, Elliott G Richards2
1School of Medicine Cleveland Case Western Reserve University Cleveland Ohio USA.
Health Science Reports
|April 8, 2026
Summary
Women who conceive via assisted reproductive technology (ART) have a slightly higher risk of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD). However, the increased risk for PMAD is small and may not be clinically significant.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD) affect many women.
- Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is increasingly used for conception.
- Understanding PMAD risk in ART-conceived pregnancies is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the risk of developing PMAD in patients who conceived via ART versus natural conception.
- To evaluate differences in PMAD risk stratified by race and ethnicity.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX research network (over 100 million patients).
- ART group identified by ICD-10 code O09.81.
- ART group matched to non-ART controls based on age, race, ethnicity, and mental health history.
Main Results:
- ART group (43,103 patients) vs. non-ART group (1,296,725 patients).
- Increased risk for a depressive mood composite (RR 1.28), postpartum depression (RR 1.13), and postpartum anxiety (RR 1.56) in the ART group.
- Differences persisted after matching for infertility and obstetric complications; Asian patients had lower PMAD risk than White patients within the ART group.
Conclusions:
- Patients conceiving via ART have a slightly increased risk for PMAD.
- The observed risk increase is small and may not be clinically significant.
- Mental health support should be considered for patients undergoing ART.
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