Can Oxytocin Level Predict Postpartum Depression?

Can Prenatal Plasma Oxytocin Concentration Predict Likelihood of Postpartum Depression? An Opportunity for Early Intervention and Prevention in a Vulnerable Population

Status

Completed

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Observational

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT02020148

Enrollment

Registered

2013-12-24

Start date

2013-12-31

Completion date

2015-08-31

Last updated

2023-10-26

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Postpartum Depression

Keywords

pregnancy, oxytocin, postpartum depression, depression, pregnant women, mood, anxiety, hormones, women's health, mental health, baby blues, mood disorders

Brief summary

The goal of this research study is to understand the relationship between the hormone oxytocin and postpartum mood.

Detailed description

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects some one in five new mothers, and adversely influences maternal adaptation to motherhood. While it is known that women with a prior history of depression, or depression during pregnancy, are at elevated risk for postpartum depression, many women with no prior history of depression or other risk factors go on to develop depression in the postpartum period. Considering the grave consequences of postpartum depression on maternal infant bonding and childhood psychological development, it is critical to develop reliable methods to identify which women, who are not depressed during pregnancy, will become depressed after delivery. The biological pathways leading to depression at any time in life, including around pregnancy, are still poorly characterized. Oxytocin (OT), a hormone involved in delivery and lactation, has received recent attention regarding its additional role in maternal emotions and care taking behaviors after birth. The primary goal is explore the relationship between plasma oxytocin and postpartum mood.

Interventions

None listed

Study design

Observational model

COHORT

Time perspective

PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

FEMALE

Age

18 Years to No maximum

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Inclusion criteria

1. At least 18 years of age 2. English-speaking 3. Pregnant (third trimester at time of visit)

Exclusion criteria

1. Current active depression or other mental illness at time of study entry in the third trimester (past depression or anxiety is acceptable) 2. Current antidepressant treatment 3. Severe medical complications in current pregnancy (gestational diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disease) 4. Signs of multiple gestation or of fetal malformation in current pregnancy 5. Cigarette smoking beyond 10th week of gestation of current pregnancy 6. Pre-pregnancy BMI \> 32

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, Self-Report (IDS-SR-30)	4-6 weeks post delivery	The IDS-SR-30 is a validated, widely used tool to evaluate depressive symptoms and clinical depression. Participants will complete this questionnaire in person or through telephone interview.

Countries

United States

Outcome results