Understanding the causes and risks of postpartum depression
Official title: Disentangling the Epidemiologic and Genetic Heterogeneity of Postpartum Depression to Predict Risk and Prognosis
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10652450 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at postpartum depression, which many new moms experience, to understand its different types and the genetic factors involved, so we can create better ways to predict and treat it for healthier outcomes for both moms and their babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $149,798 |
| NIH project number | 5K01MH120352-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10652450 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include new mothers experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression or those at risk for developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not new mothers or who do not experience postpartum depression are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates postpartum depression (PPD), a common condition that affects new mothers and can have serious consequences for both mothers and their children. By analyzing data from large global studies, the research aims to identify different subtypes of PPD and their genetic factors. The study uses advanced statistical methods to explore how these subtypes can predict long-term mental health outcomes. Ultimately, the goal is to develop personalized risk prediction models that could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for PPD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective prevention and treatment options for postpartum depression, improving outcomes for mothers and their children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying genetic and epidemiological factors related to postpartum depression, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bauer, Anna Elizabeth — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Bauer, Anna Elizabeth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Group-based postpartum depression prevention: in-person vs. virtual delivery
A large study is testing whether the ROSE group program delivered virtually to pregnant people is just as helpful as the in-person version in preventing postpartum depression.
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Postpartum depression screening at well-child visits in Arkansas
A study examines whether adding depression screening at baby visits in Arkansas improves detection and care for new mothers.
-
Ketamine to reduce postpartum depression and pain after cesarean delivery
This grant explores a ketamine approach to help new mothers after cesarean delivery feel better sooner and with less pain.
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Trajectories of Positive Motivation and Postpartum Depression Risk
This project studies how brain reward function and daily mood patterns before and after birth relate to the risk of postpartum depression, with a focus on mothers and babies.
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ROSE Scale-Up: Expanding universal postpartum depression prevention for new mothers
A national effort to roll out the ROSE prevention program to all new mothers, to see if universal use can reduce postpartum depression.
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How Medicaid Postpartum Coverage and PPD Screening Could Improve Diabetes and Blood Pressure Care After Birth
A large NIH grant is studying how extending Medicaid after birth and mandating postpartum depression screening affect care for women with gestational diabetes and pregnancy-related high blood pressure.
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.