New research suggests post-natal depression has genetic cause
Severe post natal depression is the leading cause of death in relation to childbirth, yet it’s a condition that’s very poorly understood. Doctors don’t know what causes it, nor how to predict who’s going to be a sufferer. In the past people have speculated it’s related to social or psychological factors, like women finding it difficult to adapt to motherhood. But new research from Cardiff University suggests the cause lies in sufferers’ genes. If correct, this could usher in a new age in prediction and treatment of the condition. Jane talks to the head of the research, Dr Ian Jones.
