Psychiatric disorders can affect anyone at any time. However, there is strong evidence to show that pregnancy and the months immediately following childbirth (postpartum) are high risk periods for depression, anxiety, and even psychosis. Our research aims are to identify genetic factors that may increase a person’s risk for developing these symptoms during such a critical time period. Once we have identified these genetic factors that increase risk, we will identify how these genetic factors are related to other psychiatric disorders (like major depression or schizophrenia) and other traits (like age of first period, or polycystic ovarian syndrome). Finally, we aim to identify how women with high genetic risk for psychiatric symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum may present different symptoms at the doctor’s office compared to those with low genetic risk. Altogether, we hope our work helps identify who may suffer with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychosis during pregnancy and postpartum. This may lead to better treatments and prevent poor outcomes for both mother and child.
