A new study suggests post natal depression, an acuter form of ‘baby blues’ that could cost the life of a new mother or baby, is more due to nature than nurture.  This is in contrast to the findings of previous studies that claimed the serious mood disorders were related to the mother’s circumstances, personality and hormonal changes and which often went undiagnosed and untreated.  A long-lasting condition affecting 10 to 15% of women, it prevents mothers from bonding with their babies, causes suicidal thoughts and if untreated both not only the mother, but the child also suffers which affects the short or long-term development of the baby.

However, researchers in Britain now reveal the severer version of postpartum psychosis in new mothers that is linked to maternal suicides and infanticide could be genetic.  Lead by Dr Ian Jones of Cardiff University, the research team has successfully identified chromosomal regions that harbor genes that predispose individuals to postpartum psychosis.  This has prompted work on isolating the gene, so that in future, doctors can identify and treat women predisposed to postpartum psychosis, even before they are affected by it.

The study to be published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, analysed the DNA of families who had at least one postpartum psychotic woman, leading it to conclude the severe mental disorder had a genetic base.

One in every 500 new mothers experiences post-natal depression, with as many as 17,250 late-onset cases going undetected every year, making suicide the principal cause of maternal death in Britain,.  Unfortunately, the small number who receive treatment for it, do not find it to be adequate or satisfactory.  What is required is correct diagnosis and treatment, as proved by actress Gwyneth Paltrow, model Elle Macpherson, who successfully battled and overcame post natal depression.