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Tryptophan, cortisol and puerperal mood

S L Handley, T L Dunn, G Waldron

    The British Journal of Psychiatry : the Journal of Mental Science
    |May 1, 1980
    PubMed
    Summary
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    Postpartum depression, or

    Area of Science:

    • Reproductive endocrinology
    • Neurochemistry
    • Perinatal mental health

    Background:

    • Postpartum mood disturbances, including the 'blues', affect a significant number of women.
    • Biochemical factors, such as hormones and neurotransmitter precursors, are implicated in mood regulation.
    • Understanding the interplay between physiological changes and mood during the perinatal period is crucial.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the relationship between plasma cortisol, tryptophan levels, and the incidence of postpartum 'blues'.
    • To explore potential seasonal variations in these biochemical markers and mood states.
    • To identify biochemical predictors of postpartum depression and related mood complaints.

    Main Methods:

    • Longitudinal study of 71 women from 36 weeks gestation to 6 weeks postpartum.

    Related Experiment Videos

  • Measurement of plasma cortisol, free tryptophan, and total tryptophan at 8 time points.
  • Assessment of affective state using rating scales and clinical interviews; identification of postpartum 'blues'.

    • Main Results:

    • Seasonal variations were observed in postpartum 'blues' incidence, cortisol, and free tryptophan levels.
    • Elevated cortisol at 38 weeks gestation correlated with puerperal depression, independent of season.
    • Absence of the typical early postpartum rise in total tryptophan was linked to increased risk of postpartum 'blues' and subsequent depression.

    Conclusions:

    • Plasma cortisol and tryptophan levels exhibit dynamic changes during the perinatal period, influenced by season and mood.
    • An atypical total tryptophan surge postpartum may indicate a susceptibility to mood disorders.
    • These findings suggest a potential role for tryptophan metabolism disturbances in the pathophysiology of postpartum depression.