Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles has found the cause of Postpartum Depression especially in women. This sort of depression is experienced immediately after child delivery by some women. This discovery may prove helpful in the treatment of postpartum depression.

The initial tests were done on mice that were deficient in a protein. This special protein is helpful in determining the sex hormone fluctuations of pregnancy and the postpartum period. The name of protein is GABA receptor (type A).

Nearly 25 percent of all new mothers are expected to suffer from some form of post-natal depression. Research has established that fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone are the major cause behind mood disorder during pregnancy and after childbirth.

The co-researcher for the study, Dr Jamie Maguire said that the new study will help in the treatments for postpartum depression.