Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acids, and Perinatal Depression

Slightly more than 10% of pregnant women experience a major depressive episode (MDE) in pregnancy and slightly less than 10% of women have a MDE in the year postdelivery (1,2). Many women do not receive treatment because of concerns about the safety of antidepressant medication in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Others find behavioral approaches too costly or time-consuming and do not access these treatments. Thus, understanding the biology and factors that can trigger an MDE or sustain it among vulnerable women may help women avoid or manage the condition.
Source: Biological Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Commentary Source Type: research