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Semin Reprod Med 1997; 15(1): 77-89
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1067970
Copyright © 1997 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Psychobiology of Postpartum Mood Disorders

Katherine L. Wisner* , Zachary N. Stowe†
  • Director, Women's Services, Mood Disorders Program,
  • *Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Reproductive Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
  • †Program Director, Pregnancy and Postpartum Mood Disorders Program, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Assistant Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
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Publication History

Publication Date:
15 March 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Postpartum mood disorders are common. The clustering of mood-disorder episodes after birth compels a search for factors particularly potent during childbearing. In this article, the complex relationships between the dynamic postbirth physiological environment and mood disorder are discussed.

Available studies show a lack of evidence that serum levels of gonadal hormones account for mood disturbance in women. However, substantial amounts of data demonstrate their ability to modulate other neuroendocrine systems. Alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function attributable to childbearing show remarkable similarity to those observed in depressed women. Postpartum women are also at increased risk for hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroidal (HPT) axis dysfunction that may increase affective-disorder vulnerability. A decreased rate of postpartum recovery of HPA- and HPT-axis function may play a more central role than cross-sectional measures. Understanding the etiology of postpartum mood disorders will require integration of multiple psychosocial and biological risk factors. Further research is critically needed.

Keywords:

Postpartum depression - postpartum psychosis - mood disorder

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