Major depression and autoimmune diseases share genetic links and involve immune system changes. However, the connection between perinatal depression (PND) and autoimmune diseases is not well-explored despite similarities in immune system adaptations during the perinatal period. The study conducted at the Karolinska Institute investigated the two-way relationship between autoimmune diseases (ADs) and perinatal depression (PND).
Using Swedish national registers, data from over 1.3 million pregnancies, focusing on women with newly diagnosed PND, their sisters, and a matched control group without PND were analyzed. The study found that women with AD had a 30% higher risk of developing PND, and those with PND had a similar increased risk of developing AD. This bidirectional association was observed even after controlling for psychiatric comorbidities and was more pronounced in women…
