Interoception in Pregnancy: Implications for Peripartum Depression

Authors

Paul W. Savoca, University of California, Los Angeles
Laura M. Glynn, Chapman UniversityFollow
Molly M. Fox, University of California, Los Angeles
Misty C. Richards, University of California, Los Angeles
Bridget L. Callaghan, University of California, Los Angeles

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-5-2024

Abstract

"In this perspective piece, we propose a novel mechanistic framework for peripartum depression in which improved interoceptive functioning in pregnancy and postpartum typically protects against depressive symptoms, but when there is a failure to improve interoception, the result is an inability to maintain metabolic efficiency, which ultimately poses risk for depression. First, we will review an emerging theory that links the modeling and predictive regulation of metabolic resources as central to the expression of many depressive symptoms. Then, focusing on the period of pregnancy to articulate the framework, we will discuss the physiological changes induced by pregnancy that place an increased metabolic demand on the pregnant mother. Following, we will address the neural and physiological changes of pregnancy that may enable enhanced interoception during this period of life. We will then review factors (e.g., childhood adversity) that may modulate pregnancy related changes in interoception. To demonstrate how the framework just described in pregnancy extends to the postpartum period, we will then discuss how the unique neurobiology and psychological features of the postpartum period, relative to during pregnancy, act to maintain high metabolic demands on the mother, as well as impact interoception in ways that can lead to resilience or risk for postpartum depression. We end by highlighting potential treatment targets suggested by our framework."

Comments

This article was originally published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, volume 166, in 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105874

Recommended Citation

Savoca, P. W., Glynn, L. M., Fox, M. M., Richards, M. C., & Callaghan, B. L. (2024). Interoception in pregnancy: Implications for peripartum depression. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 166, 105874. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105874

Copyright

The authors

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.