Researchers used data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children to test a theory, and discovered associations between certain genes and the development of postpartum depression. These associations can serve as a marker to detect if a woman’s genetics make her predisposed to developing the condition.
The science of their hypothesis concentrated on the hormone oxytocin, and how receptors for oxytocin could also indicate markers for the gene responsible for increasing a woman’s risk of postpartum depression.
As part of their research, the team looked at data from almost 15,000 pregnancies. They took blood samples throughout the pregnancy journeys, then studied the relationship between the oxytocin receptor gene and the occurrence of postpartum depression. Their findings were published this week in the journal Frontiers in Genetics.
Commenting on the significance of the findings, study author Jessica Connelly said that the research will go a long way towards treating the disorder more effectively.
“We can greatly improve the outcome of this disorder with the identification of markers, biological or otherwise, that can identify women who may be at risk for its development,” she said.
