Postnatal depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, affecting more than one in every ten women within a year of giving birth. Family history of psychiatric disorders is one of the strongest risk factors for postnatal depression, suggesting that the development of postnatal depression is heritable. However, the genetic contribution to postnatal depression is to a large extent unknown.
Our overall aim with this project is to investigate how genetics contributes to the risk for postnatal depression. First, we aim to identify specific genes that might influence the risk for postnatal depression. Second, we will evaluate the genetic overlap between postnatal depression and other major psychiatric disorders. Last, we aim to elucidate whether first onset and recurrent depression in the postnatal period reflect different disorders.
The results of this study will be of great relevance to society, and especially to women in reproductive age, as our results will broaden the knowledge of how child birth affects the mental health of women. If we can identify specific genes responsible for the increased risk for postnatal depression and their biological mechanism, we could improve therapy among affected women. By investigating the possibility of estimating a woman’s genetic risk for postnatal depression, as well as the familial risk for postnatal depression, we will evaluate the use of genetic information to identify and prevent postnatal depression in high-risk women.
The data analyses will take place during 2021 and writing of manuscripts and presentation results during 2022. We expect the results from the project to be published in late 2022.