Grant: Operating Grant

Approximately 10% of pregnancies result in postpartum depression and 15% result in postpartum anxiety disorders including OCD. Mental health conditions, particularly depression and anxiety, affect the development of the child, the attachment bond between mother and child, and the long-term well-being of both the mother and child. There is mounting evidence for the importance of genetic vulnerabilities in the development of mood, anxiety, and OCD. These genes influence the pattern of fluctuations in specific hormones that are in flux during the perinatal period which, in turn, may lead to problems in the regulation of neurochemicals (i.e., serotonin) that are associated with these disorders. Genetic vulnerabilities in combination with the heightened psychological stresses of pregnancy and the postpartum period can also influence cognitive factors to enhance risk. Research on non-biological vulnerability factors implicated in the onset of mood and anxiety disorders, and OCD, has focused on personality traits (e.g., heightened stress reactivity and negative emotions in the face of life challenges), cognitive factors (e.g., the presence of dysfunctional appraisals and beliefs), and social factors (e.g., presence or absence of supports). Each of these areas of vulnerability will be examined in relation to the development of these disorders throughout the perinatal period. The current research proposes to bring together a team of investigators with expertise in maternal mental health, mood and anxiety disorders, and OCD, to study a large population of women through different phases of pregnancy (12wks, 36wks) and into the postpartum (4wks, 16wks) period. The results of this study will lead directly to a better understanding of the frequency and causes of mental health conditions, which in turn could lead to advances in prenatal detection of at-risk individuals and subsequent early-intervention programs to prevent the onset of these debilitating conditions.