Written Assignment Unit 7 (3)

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RUNNING HEAD: UNRAVELING THE GENETIC COMPLEXITY OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: INSIGHTS AND IMPLICATIONS Unraveling The Genetic Complexity Of Postpartum Depression: Insights And Implications University of the People PSYCH 1504-01 Introduction to Psychology Nefretiti Morant, Instructor October 25, 2023 Page 1 of 6

UNRAVELING THE GENETIC COMPLEXITY OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: INSIGHTS AND IMPLICATIONS Introduction: The study conducted by the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in 2023 sheds light on the intricate genetic basis of postpartum depression (PPD). This essay will delve into the study, the participants involved, the findings, and its significance in contemporary society. We will also consider the limitations of the research. Finally, we will connect the study's results with key concepts from our Psychology textbook, highlighting the impact of the genetic underpinnings of PPD and the study's contribution to understanding gene-environment interactions. The Study, Participants, and Findings: The study was a large-scale meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) aimed at unraveling the genetic architecture of postpartum depression (PPD). It was conducted by a team of international researchers, with the UNC School of Medicine taking the lead. The study examined approximately 1.1 million regions of the human genome to understand the genetic underpinnings of PPD (University of North Carolina Health Care, 2023). Participants in the study came from diverse ancestries. They comprised 18 cohorts, including 17,339 PPD cases and 53,426 controls of European ancestry, 975 cases and 3,780 controls of East Asian ancestry, and 456 cases and 1,255 controls of African ancestry, totaling 18,770 PPD cases and 58,461 controls. This large and diverse participant group was essential for a comprehensive analysis (University of North Carolina Health Care, 2023). Findings revealed that PPD has a substantial genetic component. Approximately 14 percent of the variation in PPD cases can be attributed to common genetic factors. Importantly, the study identified a strong genetic correlation between PPD and other psychiatric conditions Page 2 of 6

UNRAVELING THE GENETIC COMPLEXITY OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: INSIGHTS AND IMPLICATIONS such as major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and hormone-related disorders, including polycystic ovary syndrome (University of North Carolina Health Care, 2023). Additionally, the study found that specific genetic regions involving GABAergic neurons, particularly in the thalamus and hypothalamus, are associated with PPD. These neurons play a crucial role in controlling the release of the neurotransmitter GABA, suggesting a potential mechanism for PPD symptoms. The only FDA-approved PPD treatment, Brexanolone, was found to likely act on the GABAergic neurons in these brain regions (University of North Carolina Health Care, 2023). Conclusions: The study concluded that PPD is more heritable than many other psychiatric conditions and is not solely the result of environmental factors. It found that PPD susceptibility carries a significant genetic component. Moreover, the research revealed that PPD shares a genetic architecture with other psychiatric and hormone-related conditions, emphasizing the interplay between genes in developing these conditions (University of North Carolina Health Care, 2023). The Study's Impact on Society: The study's findings have profound implications for society. By elucidating the genetic underpinnings of PPD and its connection to other psychiatric and hormone-related disorders, it paves the way for more targeted and effective treatments. This research contributes to improving the lives of individuals affected by PPD and may reduce the burden on healthcare systems. Limitations: Page 3 of 6

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UNRAVELING THE GENETIC COMPLEXITY OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: INSIGHTS AND IMPLICATIONS Despite its contributions, the study had limitations. While large and diverse, the dataset was still relatively small in the context of genome-wide association studies; this limited the precision of pinpointing specific genetic locations associated with PPD risk (University of North Carolina Health Care, 2023). Tying in with Key Concepts from our Psychology textbook: The study's findings resonate with key concepts from our textbook. One such concept is epigenetics , the study of gene-environment interactions. The research underscores that while PPD has a significant genetic component, the actual development of PPD symptoms is influenced by environmental factors and epigenetic mechanisms. Individuals with the same genotype can exhibit different phenotypes (OpenStax College, 2013), and this study illuminates the complex interplay between genes and the environment in shaping mental health outcomes. Another relevant concept is genotype , which refers to the genetic makeup of an individual (OpenStax College, 2017). The study's conclusions emphasize that PPD susceptibility carries a substantial genetic component. Understanding the genetic basis of PPD is pivotal, and it aligns with the notion that an individual's genotype plays a significant role in their predisposition to PPD. In conclusion, the study on the genetic architecture of PPD provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of this condition, highlighting the interaction between genetic factors, environmental influences, and epigenetic mechanisms. Its findings have significant implications for treatment strategies and the well-being of individuals affected by PPD while illustrating the intricate interplay between genes and the environment in shaping mental health outcomes. Page 4 of 6

UNRAVELING THE GENETIC COMPLEXITY OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: INSIGHTS AND IMPLICATIONS Word count: 717 Reference Openstax College. (2013). Biology. Retrieved February 9, 2021 from https://cnx.org/contents/GFy_h8cu@9.85:fVAf83sY@8/Preface-to-Biology Page 5 of 6

UNRAVELING THE GENETIC COMPLEXITY OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: INSIGHTS AND IMPLICATIONS OpenStax College (2017). Psychology . Houston, TX: Rice University. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from https://openstax.org/details/books/psychology University of North Carolina Health Care. (2023, October 19). Researchers confirm postpartum depression heritability, home in on treatment mechanism. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 24, 2023 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/10/231019151814.htm Page 6 of 6

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Written Assignment Unit 7 (3)

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