Causes and Risk Factors of Postnatal Depression

Genetic vulnerability. Genes associated with serotonin and tryptophan depletion, the response to stress, and oestrogen receptors, have been implicated.

Cognitive vulnerability. The impact of perinatal experiences is different depending on personality traits, cognitive style and the coping strategies used and family, social and logistic support.

Neurohormonal vulnerability. The sudden decrease in oestrogens during birth and the immediate postnatal period bring about a sharp decrease in brain neurotransmitters, which contribute to the presence of the depressive symptoms in the postnatal period.

Psychosocial vulnerability. The changes in the transition and in the combining of roles together with other psychosocial factors can affect the mood during this period: physical changes and self-image, loss of occupational status, penalisation of professional or working life, loneliness or social isolation, lack of time, and loss of freedom.

Previous history of the disorder. This is the factor that has shown a greater risk of developing a postnatal depression in pregnancy, in previous postnatal periods or in depressions in other times of life. Together with the family history of depressive illness and, especially, depression in the postnatal period in mothers and sisters. 

Premenstrual syndrome. Women with this syndrome are vulnerable to present with depressive symptoms due to the changes in the reproductive hormones that are produced in the postnatal period.

To experience stressful life events. During the pregnancy like, for example, an illness, death, or suffering of a loved one, a difficult or emergency delivery, not having planned the pregnancy or to have contradictory feelings, or chronic stressful situations, such as a lack of, or problems with a place to live, financial problems or to be responsible for the care of relatives.

Situations of abuse or violence. Both as a child as well as in adulthood and, especially, women exposed to partner violence during the pregnancy.

Extreme personality traits. Such as an elevated emotional instability and a tendency to worry, to low self-esteem, or to excessive perfectionism, or lack of family support, friendships, or a partner.