A Deeper Shade of Blue

Depression tends to run in families. New research from the Wales School of Medicine suggests that postpartum depression also appears to cluster in some families. In this study, the prevalence of postpartum depression was assessed in 120 sibling pairs with recurrent major depression. What the researchers observed was that women with a personal history of depression and a sibling with postpartum depression (defined as depression occurring within 6 weeks of delivery) were at high risk for postpartum depression. 42% of these women experienced postpartum depression, as compared to only 15% of women with no family history of postpartum depression.

Thus far, it has been difficult to identify variables that reliably predict which women in the general population are at greatest risk for postpartum depression. This report suggests that, prior to delivery, women should be questioned regarding not only their own history of depression but should also be asked if there is a family history of postpartum depression. Those with both a personal and family history of depression are at significant risk and should therefore be monitored more closely. They may also be eligible for interventions that minimize the risk of postpartum depression.