First episode depression during the perinatal period is associated with atopic diseases and persistently increased eosinophil and basophil levels
Child And Adolescent Mental Health
First episode depression during the perinatal period is associated with atopic diseases and persistently increased eosinophil and basophil levels
Child And Adolescent Mental Health

First episode depression during the perinatal period is associated with atopic diseases and persistently increased eosinophil and basophil levels

Arch Womens Ment Health. 2024 Oct 16. doi: 10.1007/s00737-024-01522-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: A previous diagnosis of depression is a strong predictor for perinatal depression, apart from other mental disorders, stress, and atopies. It is less clear which factors interfere if perinatal depression occurs as a first depression episode (fePND).

METHODS: We examined the associations with atopies and related blood parameters using data of CoLaus|PsyCoLaus.

RESULTS: Newly occurring depression during the perinatal period but not recurrent depression was associated with a lifetime diagnosis of allergies and asthma together with persistently increased levels of basophils and eosinophils.

CONCLUSION: The results imply that immune function may play a relevant role in the risk of a fePND. If confirmed and detailed, these findings could serve as the basis for designing preliminary prevention strategies by observing eosinophil and basophil levels as well as symptoms of atopic diseases before/during pregnancy.

PMID:39412540 | DOI:10.1007/s00737-024-01522-5