Project Summary

Tibor Hajszan, M.D., Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2007) of Yale University, has been developing an animal model of postpartum depression (PPD), the lack of which has been a major impediment to understanding, treating and preventing the disorder. Abrupt declines in estrogen and progesterone levels are believed to be a cause of PPD. Manipulating hormone levels in their model, Dr. Hajszan and colleagues will seek to demonstrate that PPD is associated with severe loss of connections between nerve cells in the hippocampus, a brain region critical in regulating mood and affect, and to learn whether estrogen is more effective in treating PDD than conventional antidepressants. Their ultimate goal is to restore the lost connections in the hippocampus.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS\Unipolar\Postpartum Depression

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