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Ashley Poniros, a patient of Dr. Deligiannidis, was interviewed by Dr. Mallika Marshall about the study. |
UMass Medical School neuroscientist Kristina Deligiannidis, MD, talked with Dr. Mallika Marshall of WBZ-TV for a health segment about a new international study aimed at determining whether a woman’s DNA impacts her risk for peripartum depression, a condition that affects one in eight women.
UMMS is one of 20 sites in the United States participating in the international Postpartum Depression: Action Toward Causes and Treatment (PACT) research initiative. It’s the largest-ever study that will compare genetic profiles of women with and without postpartum depression.
As part of the study, women sign up using an app in which they answer a short questionnaire, and offer a saliva sample to help identify genetic differences in women who have PPD.
Dr. Deligiannidis, associate professor of psychiatry and obstetrics & gynecology, explained the long-term goal of the study and the potential benefits.
“Can we get a better sense of who’s at risk? Because ideally we want to intervene earlier, before a woman develops the disease.” Deligiannidis said.
To watch the full segment, visit: http://boston.cbslocal.com/2016/05/13/peripartum-depression-hormones-genes/.
