Pathophysiology of Postpartum Depression: Etiology and Interplay of Structural and Functional Brain Changes

Merz, Sylvia

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/130408 Copy

Description

Title

Pathophysiology of Postpartum Depression: Etiology and Interplay of Structural and Functional Brain Changes

Author(s)

Merz, Sylvia

Issue Date

2025-07-23

Keyword(s)

• postpartun depression
• PPD
• maternal mental health

Date of Ingest

2025-11-24T20:25:16-06:00

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects a significant portion of new mothers, leading to severe disruptions in maternal mental health, such as persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety and emotional numbness. These symptoms not only hinder the mother’s well-being but also interfere with critical maternal-infant bonding and early caregiving, which can have lasting developmental consequences for the child. Despite the well-documented emotional and cognitive consequences of PPD, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying this condition remain are still not fully understood. Structural and functional brain alterations in areas such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus, and amygdala have been implicated in the development of PPD. Neuroimaging studies offer promising insights into the brain changes associated with this mood disorder. Understanding these modifications could pave the way for earlier identification and more targeted interventions to improve maternal mental health outcomes.

Type of Resource

text

Genre of Resource

article

Language

eng

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2025 Sylvia Merz

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