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Oxytocin may improve parental behavior in mothers with postnatal depression

Oxytocin may be useful for improving parental behaviors among mothers with postnatal depression, though more research is needed to establish its safety.

“Our understanding of the association between [oxytocin] and depression, in general, and between [oxytocin] and [postnatal depression], in particular, is limited. Preclinical rodent studies have established that [oxytocin] has an anxiolytic role but also potentially regulates serotonin release, indicating important implications for human depression,” Beth L. Mah, PhD, of Parent and Infant Mental Health Service, Wallsend, New South Wales, Australia, wrote.

To assess associations between oxytocin, postnatal depression and parenting, Mah conducted a systematic review of 33 studies on postnatal depression and parenting, 13 on oxytocin and parenting and four on oxytocin and postnatal depression.

Mothers with postnatal depression interacted with their infants less sensitively, reported feeling less competent and chose recommended practical-parenting strategies less often, compared with healthy controls.

Psychological interventions had generally positive effects on mother-infant interactions among mothers with postnatal depression, according to Mah.

Evidence of associations between oxytocin and postnatal depression were inconsistent, with some evidence that oxytocin negatively impacted mood.

“One clear result is that [postnatal depression] in mothers compromises the quality of their parenting skills. Interventions to improve parenting for mothers with [postnatal depression] had mixed results, but most led to improvement,” Mah wrote. “It was also clear that [oxytocin] levels are positively correlated with parental behaviors likely to promote bonding. Studies examining the role of [oxytocin] in a clinical population with [postnatal depression] produced mixed results. Lower plasma [oxytocin] was associated with increased depression, but administering intranasal [oxytocin] also led to increased depressive symptoms.” – by Amanda Oldt

Disclosure: Mah reports no relevant financial disclosures.