Biological and hormonal risk factors for postpartum depression
Clinical significance and emerging research directions
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22129341 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Julia Buszek (Rzeszów University), Michał Medygrał (Medical University of Silesia), Piotr Czerniak, Małgorzata Dydoń-Pikor (0009-0009-1976-1516, Medical University of Silesia), Adrianna Antoszewska (Rzeszów University), Weronika Bargiel (Rzeszów University), Filip Baran (0009-0003-6491-3001, Rzeszów University), Dominika Bąk (0009-0008-0411-9064, Rzeszów University), Halszka Wajdowicz (Rzeszów University), Mateusz Warzocha (Rzeszów University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 309-315 |
| Publication date | 2025-12-24 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Humanities & Social Sciences Reviews (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2395-6518 • E-ISSN: 2395-6518 |
| Publisher | Maya Global Education Society (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.18510/hssr.2025.13242 |
| OpenAlex | W7117239978 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 31 |
Research objective: The objective of the study was to present and systematize current knowledge on the biological and hormonal mechanisms associated with postpartum depression, highlighting their pathophysiological relevance and potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Methodology: A literature review was conducted using the PubMed database. Keywords included: postpartum depression, HPA axis, allopregnanolone, brexanolone, zuranolone, estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, serotonin transporter, 5-HTTLPR, OXTR, neurosteroids, GABA receptors, epigenetics, biomarkers. Main conclusions: Postpartum depression is closely linked to rapid postpartum hormonal fluctuations, reduced neurosteroid activity, dysregulation of GABAergic signaling, and altered HPA axis function. Genetic and epigenetic factors — including variants of 5-HTTLPR and OXTR — further modulate susceptibility. Novel neurosteroid-based treatments, such as brexanolone and zuranolone, offer promising therapeutic potential. Application of the study: The findings may contribute to improved early identification of women at high risk of PPD and support the development of individualized treatment approaches, especially those targeting neurosteroid and GABAergic pathways. Originality/Novelty of the study: The study integrates up-to-date evidence on hormonal, neurosteroid, and genetic determinants of postpartum depression, emphasizing cutting-edge therapeutic advancements and emerging biomarker-based diagnostic perspectives
Clinical significance · Epigenetics · Hormone · Neuroactive steroid · Postpartum depression · Postpartum period · Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum · Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior · Tryptophan and brain disorders
Perinatal mental illness
Perinatal mental health
Prevalence and incidence of postpartum depression among healthy mothers
Consequences of maternal postpartum depression
Long-Term Effects of Maternal Depression during Postpartum and Early Parenthood Period on Child Socioemotional Development
Economic and Health Predictors of National Postpartum Depression Prevalence
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |