Study on prenatal depression and baby emotions

A new American study found that babies born to mothers who received treatment for depression during pregnancy showed a reduction in negative emotional expressions at 6 months. The results are preliminary and require further research.

Participants and study design

The study included pregnant women in the United States, primarily from obstetrics-gynecology clinics in Denver. The participants were English-speaking women aged 18 to 45, pregnant with a single child, and showing high levels of depressive symptoms at the start of the study.

Treatment approaches compared

Some mothers received brief interpersonal psychotherapy, which focuses on relationships, conflicts, and social support. Others received enhanced usual care. A previous study published in JAMA Psychiatry in 2023 showed that the psychotherapy group had better outcomes in reducing depression symptoms by the end of pregnancy.

Focus on infants' development

The new study followed 109 infants from the trial, 52 from the psychotherapy group and 57 from the enhanced care group. Researchers examined brain development and emotional responses at two key points: brain structure at 6 weeks and emotional reactions at 6 months.

Brain imaging and emotional reactions

Infants underwent brain MRI scans around 6 weeks of age while sleeping. Researchers looked at the volume of certain brain regions and how these might relate to emotional behaviors observed at 6 months. The findings are still exploratory and need more validation.