UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA

FACULTY OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY
BCH 491: SPECIAL TOPICS IN BIOCHEMISTRY

TOPIC: MECHANISMS AND TREATMENT OF POSTPARTUM

DEPRESSION
PRESENTER: ZACCHAEUS, EBERECHI LOVEGOD
REG NO: 2019/243588
SUPERVISOR: MRS R.O ASOMADU
DATE: OCTOBER 2023

ABSTRACT
Childbirth is a difficult and exhausting process. Females goes through a lot of hormonal,
physical, emotional, and psychological changes throughout pregnancy and this changes occur in
the mother's familial and interpersonal world (Mughal et al., 2022). Postpartum depression
seriously affects the physical and mental health of the mother and child. During an analysis
conducted on the prevalence of postpartum depression, the result showed that 81% of the study
population had Postpartum depression (Liu et al., 2022). The symptoms and risk factors are
somewhat similar to those found in non-postpartum depression. However, the main difference is
that Postpartum depression is triggered by postpartum specific factors, including especially
biological changes in the hormone levels (Yu et al., 2021). Its aetiology and pathophysiology
aren't fully understood as of today but multiple theories on the interplay of hormones,
neurotransmitters, genetics, epigenetics, nutrients and socio-environmental factors exist
(Rupanagunta et al., 2023). It was hypothesized that the concentration of BDNF (Brain-derived
neurotrophic factor) is related to reproduction and childbirth, and that women with postpartum
depression show alteration in BDNF level. The test conducted by Lee et al. (2021) showed that
the plasma concentration of BDNF in the postpartum depression-recovery group was higher, the
BDNF concentration increased at 6 weeks after delivery compared to that at 24 weeks of
gestation. There are various risk factors including environmental factors and genetic factors that
may induce postpartum depression. Postpartum women's susceptibility to postpartum depression
may be the result of the interaction between the genes associated with postpartum depression as
well as the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. These genes include genes
related to the synthesis, metabolism, and transport of monoamine neurotransmitters, key
molecules of the HPA axis, and the kynurenine pathway (Luo et al., 2023). Antidepressants and
telemedicine are effective therapeutic interventions that can be used for Postpartum depression
treatment (Chow et al., 2021). Complementary and alternative treatments as a treatment option
for Postpartum depression includes the use of doula support, saffron, yoga, aromatherapy,
placentophagy, mindfulness, probiotics and wake therapy (Mammenga & Hansen, 2021).
Exercise interventions as an integrated treatment approach for PD may have a protective effect
on perceived stress among women at risk for postpartum depression. Practitioners should
consider integrating exercise and wellness interventions into postpartum care (Lewis et al.,
2021). Understanding the mechanisms and treatment of postpartum depression can help create a
better postpartum experience for mothers.
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