Archives of Women's Mental Health最新文献

{"title":"Burden and determinants of perinatal depression: population-based estimates from linked healthcare utilization data and EPDS screening","authors":"Eliana Gabellini,&nbsp;Maria Teresa Greco,&nbsp;Raffaella Ferrari,&nbsp;Federica Rolli,&nbsp;Silvano Casazza,&nbsp;Antonio Giampiero Russo","doi":"10.1007/s00737-026-01766-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-026-01766-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Perinatal depression is a frequent disorder affecting about 10–15% of women. Despite its significance, only a proportion of the female population is screened or intercepted by professional services. The aim of this study was to estimate its occurrence and to examine potential risk and protective factors.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Events attributable to perinatal depression were identified through an algorithm applied to Health Care Utilization (HCU) data in a cohort of 164,767 resident mothers giving birth between 2017 and 2023 in Agenzia di Tutela della Salute (ATS) della Città Metropolitana di Milano. Two multivariate logistic models were fitted, including prior psychological distress (12 months before pregnancy), sociodemographic variables (age, citizenship, education, employment, marital status) and parity.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>According to the HCU algorithm, 16.0% of mothers experienced perinatal depression–related events. Among screened mothers, 23.6% met criteria for high psychological vulnerability (EPDS ≥ 8). Risk factors included prior psychological distress (OR 8.1; 95% CI 7.7–8.6), age &gt; 40 years (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.2–1.4), migrant background (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.1–1.2) and primiparity (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.4–1.5). Lower education and employment appeared as modest protective factors.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Perinatal depression affects approximately one in six women within the territory of ATS Milan. Prior psychological distress, advanced maternal age, migrant background, unmarried status and primiparity emerged as key risk factors. The identification of key risk and protective factors underscores the need for targeted, equity-oriented policies and early intervention strategies, strengthening the integration between primary care, mental health services, social services, and community-based resources to effectively reach and support vulnerable women.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00737-026-01766-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148975182","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative study of sociodemographic, clinical, and criminological characteristics of maternal neonaticide, infanticide, and filicide cases","authors":"Yasin Kavla,&nbsp;Muhammed Emin Boylu,&nbsp;Büşra Kavla,&nbsp;Hüseyin Çağrı Şahin,&nbsp;Güniz Ergin,&nbsp;Mehmet Zahit Serefoglu,&nbsp;Şenol Turan,&nbsp;Alaattin Duran","doi":"10.1007/s00737-026-01755-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-026-01755-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Maternal neonaticide (&lt; 24 h), infanticide (&lt; 1 year), and filicide (&gt; 1 year and &lt; 18 years) refer to the killing of a child by the mother; however, these acts differ substantially in their underlying sociodemographic, clinical, and criminological characteristics. As no previous study has examined these three groups together within a single comparative framework, this research is the first to simultaneously investigate maternal neonaticide, infanticide, and filicide in a large-scale sample to determine their distinct sociodemographic, clinical, and criminological variables.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Data were retrospectively obtained from cases who underwent forensic psychiatric evaluation at the Department of Psychiatric Observation and the 4th Specialized Board of the Council of Forensic Medicine (CFM) in Türkiye between June 1, 2014, and June 1, 2024.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Among 113 cases (28 neonaticide, 35 infanticide, and 50 filicide), women in the neonaticide group were significantly younger and more frequently single and had lower rates of documented psychiatric disorders. The most frequently recorded motive in this group was the child being unwanted. The infanticide group had significantly higher documented rates of severe psychiatric disorders and previous psychiatric treatment. Almost all women in the neonaticide and filicide groups were assessed as having full criminal responsibility, whereas 34.3% of those in the infanticide group were assessed as lacking criminal responsibility.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The findings suggest that maternal neonaticide, infanticide, and filicide are associated with different sociodemographic, psychiatric, and medicolegal patterns. Recognizing these differences may contribute to more informed forensic psychiatric evaluations and may help identify areas relevant to risk assessment and prevention.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148975219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Differential trajectories of depression symptoms during pregnancy and prospective associations with postpartum eating disorder symptoms and cardiovascular health behaviors","authors":"Caroline Christian,&nbsp;Shannon Donofry,&nbsp;Riley Jouppi,&nbsp;Shruti Kinkel-Ram,&nbsp;Rachel Pearl Kolko Conlon,&nbsp;Michele Levine","doi":"10.1007/s00737-026-01756-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-026-01756-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Approximately one-in-ten individuals experience depression during pregnancy, a period marked by considerable biopsychosocial change. Prior research has investigated perinatal depressive symptom change and identified links to negative health outcomes, such as hypertension and delivery complications. However, it is unknown if these findings extend to pregnant people with higher weight, who may have increased risk. Additionally, understanding how depression experiences during pregnancy impact postpartum eating disorder (ED) symptoms and cardiovascular health behaviors can provide insight into prospective health consequences.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Participants (<i>N</i> = 257 individuals with pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 25) completed assessments of depression, ED symptoms, and cardiovascular health behaviors at six timepoints across pregnancy and at six-months postpartum. In this secondary analysis, growth mixture modeling identified differential depressive symptom trajectories; ANOVA and Chi-square tests examined differences in postpartum ED symptoms, diet quality, physical activity, and sleep across trajectory groups.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Four prenatal depressive symptom trajectory groups were identified: low depression (64.3%), moderate depression (19.2%), high, decreasing depression (8.6%), and stable, high depression (7.8%). Trajectory groups comprising individuals with higher prenatal depressive symptoms (stable and decreasing) had higher postpartum eating, shape, and weight concerns, more frequent loss of control eating, and worse sleep quality, relative to moderate- and low-symptom groups. Restraint, diet quality, and physical activity did not differ across groups.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Prenatal depressive symptom trajectories may differentially relate to risk for postpartum ED symptoms and sleep behaviors among higher weight pregnant people. Future research should continue investigating perinatal depression, ED symptoms, and associated health behaviors to optimize screening and intervention in maternal healthcare.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148975271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of symptom map-based education in the management of premenstrual syndrome: a randomized controlled trial","authors":"Ahsen Demirhan Kayacik,&nbsp;Kevser Ilcioglu","doi":"10.1007/s00737-026-01757-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-026-01757-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>To evaluate the effectiveness of a symptom map-based educational intervention for the non-pharmacological management of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), with a focus on symptom reduction among women with differing baseline symptom severity.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>This randomized controlled study was conducted between May and December 2024. A total of 110 women meeting diagnostic criteria for PMS were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 55) or a control group (n = 55) using block randomization, and 101 participants completed follow-up assessments. The intervention comprised structured education based on a PMS symptom map and evidence-based self-care strategies. Outcomes included PMS symptom severity (Premenstrual Syndrome Scale), pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), psychological symptoms (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21), and PMS-specific life satisfaction. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT06585475.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Compared with the control group, women in the intervention group reported significantly lower pain (adjusted mean 4.21 vs. 6.81, p &lt; .001) and stress levels (8.54 vs. 12.03, p &lt; .001) at follow-up. The intervention was particularly effective in reducing PMS symptom severity and depressive symptoms among participants with higher baseline symptom burden. Improvements in PMS-specific life satisfaction were observed, with reductions in depressive symptoms contributing to this effect.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>A symptom map-based educational intervention is a clinically applicable, non-pharmacological approach for PMS management. This structured education appears especially beneficial for women with more severe baseline symptoms and may be integrated into routine gynecological care to support individualized symptom management.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148975321","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Isolated physical activity programs during pregnancy and postpartum: Meta-analysis of randomized trials with usual-care controls on depressive and anxiety symptoms","authors":"Daniela Aparecida de Faria,&nbsp;Victor Antonio Ferreira Freire,&nbsp;Dayanne Gabriela de Melo Marques,&nbsp;Paulo Henrique Nogueira da Fonseca,&nbsp;Kelly de Freitas Santos,&nbsp;Crystian Bitencourt Oliveira,&nbsp;Luiza Oliveira Perucci,&nbsp;Marina de Barros Pinheiro,&nbsp;Melina Barros-Pinheiro","doi":"10.1007/s00737-026-01752-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-026-01752-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>This study systematically evaluated the isolated effects of physical activity on depressive and anxiety symptoms during the perinatal period. </p><h3>Methods</h3><p>This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022301284) and conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook and PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials were included if they assessed the effects of standalone physical activity interventions on depressive or anxiety symptoms in pregnant or postpartum women. Eligible trials involved physical activity interventions of any type, frequency, intensity, or duration, provided that the control group received usual care or no intervention without additional active components. Prevention-oriented trials and symptomatic/treatment-oriented trials were analyzed separately according to baseline population profile.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Out of 10,938 records identified, 17 trials met the inclusion criteria. In prevention-oriented trials, physical activity was associated with lower depressive symptom scores during both the antenatal period (SMD: -0.52, 95% CI: -0.75 to -0.30; I² = 46%; seven trials; low-certainty evidence) and the postpartum period (SMD: -0.33, 95% CI: -0.57 to -0.09; I² = 86%; seven trials; very low-certainty evidence). For antenatal anxiety symptoms, physical activity did not show a clear effect compared with no intervention (SMD: -0.03, 95% CI: -0.31 to 0.25; I² = 0%; three trials; very low-certainty evidence). In a separate exploratory analysis of symptomatic/treatment-oriented trials, physical activity was associated with lower postpartum depressive symptom scores compared with no intervention (SMD: -0.38, 95% CI: -0.72 to -0.04; I² = 28%; three trials; very low-certainty evidence). Exploratory secondary analyses suggested favorable effects of structured physical activity and programs conducted three times per week for approximately 60 min on depressive symptoms, although the certainty of evidence was low or very low.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Isolated physical activity interventions during the antenatal and postpartum periods may be associated with lower depressive symptom scores, particularly in prevention-oriented trials. A separate exploratory synthesis also suggested lower postpartum depressive symptom scores among symptomatic/treatment-oriented populations. However, the certainty of evidence was low to very low, and substantial clinical and methodological heterogeneity limits confidence in the magnitude and generalizability of these findings. Evidence for antenatal anxiety symptoms remains insufficient and inconclusive.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13572343/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148962882","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of breast cancer on body image: a systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Serenay Yazici Sarikaya,&nbsp;Rui Wang,&nbsp;Ann-Christin S Kimmig,&nbsp;Sara Bruecker,&nbsp;Markus Hahn,&nbsp;Anna Wikman,&nbsp;Birgit Derntl","doi":"10.1007/s00737-026-01754-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-026-01754-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Breast cancer is the most common cancer among females globally. While treatment is life-saving and essential, it can significantly affect physical health, psychological well-being, quality of life, and body image.</p><h3>Objectives</h3><p>To systematically review and synthesize the evidence on the impact of breast cancer and its treatment on body image in females.</p><h3>Design</h3><p>Systematic review and meta-analysis.</p><h3>Data sources and methods</h3><p>Four major databases were searched for relevant peer-reviewed studies published until 2025. A total of 41 studies were included in the systematic review, of which 24 were eligible for the meta-analysis. Standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a restricted maximum likelihood model, with analyses conducted in JAMOVI and heterogeneity assessed via Q and I² statistics.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Females with breast cancer reported significantly lower body image scores than healthy controls (ES = -1.02). Furthermore, body image scores declined from pre-treatment to during treatment (ES = -0.45). Mastectomy was associated with poorer body image compared to breast-conserving therapy (ES = -1.11).</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Although medically essential, breast cancer treatment can adversely affect body image. Integrating body image support into treatment plans is crucial for promoting the overall health and quality of life of females diagnosed with breast cancer.</p><h3>Registration</h3><p>PROSPERO No. CRD42024503033.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00737-026-01754-7.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149099093","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mapping links between childhood maltreatment and biopsychosocial health in pregnancy: a network analysis","authors":"Jana Katharina Ray,&nbsp;Anna-Lena Zietlow,&nbsp;Julia Ditzer,&nbsp;David Kolar,&nbsp;Monique Stenzel,&nbsp;Julia Téoule,&nbsp;Marc Sütterlin,&nbsp;Martin Lablans,&nbsp;Barbara Filsinger","doi":"10.1007/s00737-026-01749-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-026-01749-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Child maltreatment experiences may impact both mental and physical health in pregnancy and are associated with increased interpersonal difficulties. However, facets of psychosocial and physical health are interrelated, making it difficult to identify effects of maltreatment experiences. Therefore, this study aims to improve our understanding of how experiences of childhood maltreatment are associated with perinatal bio-psycho-social health employing an exploratory network approach. The analysis focused on whether there are differential effects of maltreatment subtypes, namely physical, sexual and emotional abuse as well as physical and emotional neglect.</p><h3>Method</h3><p><i>N</i> = 131 pregnant women (gestational age of 10–20 weeks) answered questionnaires on their own child maltreatment experiences, depressive and anxiety symptoms, maternal-foetal attachment, social support and couple relationship quality. Additionally, medical information was collected from their maternity passports. We estimated a regularized partial correlation network to model the associations between these variables.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Maltreatment experiences were associated with lower prenatal social support and higher prenatal depression scores, but not with pregnancy-related anxiety, maternal-foetal attachment and prenatal relationship quality. A link between maltreatment and medical risk emerged only in a reduced network model including only emotional child maltreatment subtypes, but not physical or sexual maltreatment. Among subtypes, emotional abuse and emotional neglect emerged as most central in the network.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Emotional abuse and neglect experiences may function as risk factors for biopsychosocial health in early pregnancy. Thus, maltreatment experiences should be examined carefully in medical history. Their effects, especially regarding perceived social support, need to be addressed in prenatal care by gynaecologists and midwives.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00737-026-01749-4.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148782874","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Swanson’s caring theory–based intervention to reduce infertility-related stress and improve coping strategies in women and their partners undergoing assisted reproductive treatment (ART): a randomized controlled trial","authors":"Bilgesu Arslan,&nbsp;Serap Temiz","doi":"10.1007/s00737-026-01750-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-026-01750-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a supportive care intervention based on Swanson’s Caring Theory on infertility-related stress and coping strategies among women and their partners undergoing assisted reproductive treatment (ART).</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>This single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with 100 couples undergoing ART at the IVF Center of Ondokuz Mayıs University Health Practice and Research Center, Türkiye. Couples were randomly assigned to either the intervention group receiving Swanson’s Caring Theory–based supportive care or the control group receiving routine care. Data were collected at baseline prior to treatment initiation (T1), pre–embryo transfer (T2), and one month following embryo transfer (T3). Infertility-related stress and coping strategies were assessed using the COMPI Fertility Problem Stress Scales and the COMPI Coping Strategy Scales. Repeated-measures ANOVA and t tests were used for analyses.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Compared with controls, women and men in the intervention group demonstrated significantly greater reductions in infertility-related stress scores from T1 to T2 (all <i>p</i> &lt; .001). Significant group × time interactions were also identified for active coping, meaning-based coping, active-avoidance coping, and passive-avoidance coping among both women and men (all <i>p</i> ≤ .010). Active coping and meaning-based coping increased over time in the intervention group, whereas passive-avoidance coping also increased during the active treatment phase. Exploratory analyses among participants with unsuccessful ART outcomes indicated lower infertility-related stress scores in the intervention group at T3. Women in the intervention group also reported lower active-avoidance coping scores, whereas both women and men reported higher active coping and meaning-based coping scores. Passive-avoidance coping scores decreased from T2 to T3 among intervention participants with unsuccessful ART outcomes.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Supportive care grounded in Swanson’s Caring Theory may reduce infertility-related stress and influence coping responses among couples undergoing ART treatment. Although increases were observed in active and meaning-based coping, coping patterns were not uniformly adaptive across all domains and treatment stages. The findings support the potential value of integrating structured supportive care into routine IVF services; however, exploratory findings related to unsuccessful ART outcomes should be interpreted with caution.</p><p>Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07557069 (retrospectively registered).</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148782875","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unravelling the biological nexus of smoking and postpartum depression: a meta-analysis and functional genomics approach","authors":"Farheenara Abedin,&nbsp;Madhuparna Das,&nbsp;Aratrika Bishayi,&nbsp;Parna Saha,&nbsp;Asmaul Husna,&nbsp;Shafiul Haque,&nbsp;Sandeep Singh Rana,&nbsp;Ravi Sudesh,&nbsp;Faraz Ahmad","doi":"10.1007/s00737-026-01753-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-026-01753-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Postpartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent psychological condition among birthing women. While several psycho-socio-economic and neurobiological factors influence its development, its relationship with smoking behavior and nicotine addiction remains largely inconclusive.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>In this combinatorial study, we first evaluate the relationship between smoking and depressive behaviors in postpartum women using data extracted from pertinent primary epidemiological studies. Additionally, to discern the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this association, we identified common genetic elements and evaluated their functional attributes using in silico analyses.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Meta-analytical assessment of systematically collected data from 38 studies indicated that smoking women are twice as likely to develop PPD, compared to their non-smoking counterparts. While geocultural attributes did not affect this relationship, timing of smoking was a significant moderator, with current and gestational smoking statuses being more strongly linked with PPD outcome, compared to the past smoking habit. Further, depression scores in smoking postpartum women were higher than those in non-smoking controls. Analysis of the common protein-encoding genes underlying the pathophysiology of nicotine addiction and PPD revealed several critical hub proteins (viz., AKT1, JUN, CTNNB1, PTEN, EGFR, ESR1, SRC, STAT3, FN1, IL1B, IL6, TNF, TP53, GAPDH, INS, MYC, and ALB) which were predicted to alter multiple pathophysiological pathways associated with transcriptional expression, intra- and intercellular signaling transduction, metabolism, and immune functions.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Our results indicate that smoking is strongly associated with depressive behavior in postpartum women, although this association involve mediation of additional environmental and psychosocial elements. Moreover, network analysis of common genetic elements identified several potentially disrupted neurophysiological pathways in postpartum women with smoking and depressive behaviors which may aid in characterizing the underlying relationship between the two conditions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148763138","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Maternal genetic liability to autism spectrum disorders and pregnancy outcomes","authors":"Suqi Chen,&nbsp;Zeynep Asgel,&nbsp;Nina Zaks,&nbsp;Clare McCormack,&nbsp;Magdalena Janecka","doi":"10.1007/s00737-026-01748-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-026-01748-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Few studies have examined the increased risk for pregnancy complications in women with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. The autism genetic propensity in relation to the complications of pregnancy and birth remains unknown, and is an area critical for informing maternal health and reproductive guidance. Here, we assessed whether maternal genetic liability to ASD is associated with pregnancy complications.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The study comprised 28,985 females with at least one pregnancy-related record from the UK Biobank (UKB) cohort. Individual polygenic risk scores (PRS) for ASD were calculated, and pregnancy complications were defined using ICD-10 diagnostic codes. Associations between ASD PRS and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated using logistic regression models adjusted for maternal age at first conception. In the secondary analyses, we used schizophrenia (SCZ) PRS, and analyzed broader, ICD-based clusters of pregnancy outcomes.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Maternal ASD PRS showed no nominally significant associations with pregnancy outcomes. Maternal SCZ PRS was nominally associated with a reduced risk of <i>spontaneous delivery</i> (O80) and <i>forceps/vacuum delivery (O81)</i>; however, no associations remained significant after FDR correction.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Higher genetic liability to ASD was not significantly associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications in the UKB sample. Findings should be interpreted with caution, given the limitations of PRS, potential selection bias in UKB, and the relatively small sample size of females with pregnancy outcomes in the UKB.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148719137","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}