title: Biological aspects of postpartum depression.
abstract: In comparison with the vast epidemiological literature on postpartum depression (PPD), relatively few studies have examined the biological aspects of the disorder. However, research into the biological mechanisms of PPD is a challenging task, as normal pregnancy and the postpartum period cause adaptive endocrine changes, which would otherwise be considered pathological in nonpregnant women. This review focuses on the adaptive changes of childbearing and nursing, which ultimately may put women at increased risk of PPD. In light of the normal physiology, the authors also attempt to describe the current evidence of the biological changes associated with the development of depression in the postpartum period, including ovarian steroids, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the serotonergic neurotransmitter system, the thyroid system and inflammatory markers. In addition, current knowledge on candidate genes associated with PPD is reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Women's & Children's Health, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
authors.forename: Alkistis
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Skalkidou
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hellgren
authors.forename: Erika
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Comasco
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sylvén
authors.forename: Inger
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sundström Poromaa
mesh_terms: D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D001942:Breast Feeding; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / Q000378:metabolism; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000378:metabolism; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D020738:Leptin / Q000378:metabolism; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000378:metabolism; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism; D016387:Women's Health
chemical_list: D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human; D004967:Estrogens; D020738:Leptin; D012701:Serotonin; D011374:Progesterone; D010121:Oxytocin; D006854:Hydrocortisone