Understanding postpartum depression in female veterans using an animal model
Official title: Validating an animal model of female veteran risk factors for postpartum depression
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-10925044 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at postpartum depression in female veterans by using female rats to mimic the unique stresses they experience, helping researchers understand the causes of PPD in these women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1I21BX006218-01A2 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925044 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are female veterans who have experienced childbirth and may be at risk for postpartum depression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not female veterans or who have not recently given birth may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates postpartum depression (PPD) in female veterans by developing a new animal model that simulates the unique stressors these women face. The study will expose female rats to chronic unpredictable stress before and after mating to mimic the experiences of female veterans. Researchers will assess various behaviors related to depression and anxiety during the postpartum period, comparing these results to other groups of rats. This approach aims to uncover the biological mechanisms behind PPD in this specific population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for postpartum depression in female veterans.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on postpartum depression, this specific approach using a tailored animal model for female veterans is novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hollis, Fiona E. — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Hollis, Fiona E.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.