A serotonin transporter gene polymorphism predicts peripartum depressive symptoms in an at-risk psychiatric cohort.
BACKGROUND
Peripartum major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent psychiatric disorder with potential detrimental consequences for both mother and child. Despite its enormous health care relevance, data regarding genetic predictors of peripartum depression are sparse. The aim of this study was to investigate associations of the serotonin-transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) genotype with peripartum MDD in an at-risk population.


METHODS
Two hundred and seventy four women with a prior history of MDD were genotyped for 5-HTTLPR and serially evaluated in late pregnancy (gestational weeks 31-40), early post-partum (week 1-8) and late post-partum (week 9-24) for diagnosis of a current major depressive episode (MDE) and depressive symptom severity.


RESULTS
5-HTTLPR S-allele carrier status predicted the occurrence of a MDE in the early post-partum period only (OR=5.13, p=0.017). This association persisted despite continued antidepressant treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
The 5-HTTLPR genotype may be a clinically relevant predictor of early post-partum depression in an at-risk population.


OBJECTIVE
Peripartum major depressive disorder is a prevalent psychiatric disorder with potential detrimental consequences for both mother and child. Despite its enormous health care relevance, data regarding genetic predictors of peripartum depression are sparse. The aim of this study was to investigate associations of the serotonin-transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) genotype with peripartum MDD in an at-risk population.
Binder
Elisabeth B
EB
Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA, USA. binder@mpipsykl.mpg.de
Newport
D Jeffrey
DJ
Zach
Elizabeth B
EB
Smith
Alicia K
AK
Deveau
Todd C
TC
Altshuler
Lori L
LL
Cohen
Lee S
LS
Stowe
Zachary N
ZN
Cubells
Joseph F
JF
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
C493230:SLC6A4 protein, human; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins