Research
Postpartum
Research into postpartum mental health challenges shows how infections, autoimmune responses, and other immune-mediated processes can drive inflammation in the brain, potentially triggering or worsening neuropsychiatric or neurocognitive symptoms
Featured and Impactful Research
The role of the immune system in postpartum psychosis
Authors: Hazelgrove, K.
Journal: Brain Behav Immun Health, 2021
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100359
Brief Summary: Reviews immunological mechanisms implicated in postpartum psychosis, highlighting neuroinflammation, cytokine alterations, and potential immune-based interventions.
Perinatal Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder: Clinical and Biological Evidence
Authors: Frontiers in Global Women’s Health
Journal: Front Glob Womens Health, 2021
DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2021.758748
Brief Summary: Comprehensive review of perinatal OCD, covering epidemiology, biological risk factors, immune and hormonal contributions, and clinical management strategies.
Immune-endocrine interactions in perinatal mental health
Authors: Wiley Online Library
Journal: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 2021
DOI: 10.1111/aji.13619
Brief Summary: Discusses hormonal and immune system changes during the perinatal period and their contribution to postpartum psychiatric symptoms including OCD and psychosis.
Efficacy of a prevention program for postpartum obsessive-compulsive symptoms
Authors: Timpano, K. R., Abramowitz, J. S., Mahaffey, B. L., Mitchell, M. A., Schmidt, N. B.
Journal: Journal of Psychiatric Research, 2011
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2011.06.015
Brief Summary: Evaluates a targeted prevention program for postpartum OCD symptoms, showing reduced symptom severity and supporting early intervention strategies.
Hormonal contributions to perinatal OCD symptoms
Authors: ScienceDirect
Journal: Book chapter, n.d.
DOI: N/A
Brief Summary: Explores the role of perinatal hormonal fluctuations in the onset and severity of OCD symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum.
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