175: Mom Genes Fight Postpartum Depression

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, and today, May 6, happens to be World Maternal Mental Health Day. It’s a fitting day to bring you this show with an expert who is the driving force behind a pioneering study to help diagnose postpartum depression earlier and get moms the treatment they need.

Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody, MD, MPH, is co-principal investigator of the Mom Genes Fight PPD research study, as well as the Assad Meymandi Distinguished Professor and Chair of the UNC Department of Psychiatry and director of the UNC Center for Women’s Mood Disorders. Her funded research is focused on understanding the genetic signature of postpartum depression and investigating novel technologies and treatment modalities to optimize and personalize treatment for women with perinatal depression. Most recently, this has included the MOM GENES app and the brexanolone clinical trials, the first FDA-approved medication for postpartum depression. She knows a lot, and she’s done a lot with her significant work in perinatal mental health.

Show Highlights:

What postpartum depression is and why Dr. Meltzer-Brody is studying it

The MOM GENES study that began in 2016 (learn how you can participate)

How the study can help us identify who is at risk so intervention can happen earlier

Who can participate in the study

The confidentiality and anonymity of the study

The availability of resources for participants in the study

How the DNA samples are collected and pooled together

How the genetic information will be used to determine treatment and outcomes

The preliminary findings: not all women have the same types of postpartum depression

Why women with co-occurring anxiety disorders are encouraged to apply for the study

Examples of postpartum depression and the signals that mean someone needs to seek help

How the study and the app have already helped people in many ways

Resources:

Mom Genes Fight PPD Learn how you can join the study from the comfort of your own home.

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