Type 1 diabetes (T1D), rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and ulcerative colitis are all examples of autoimmune diseases. An autoimmune disease is a condition that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and cells within the body. Symptoms are typically non-specific, though certain conditions have their own set of symptoms. In the past, researchers have hypothesized that autoimmune diseases and mood or mental health disorders could be linked, though this relationship is poorly understood. According to a news release from the Karolinska Institutet, university researchers sought to uncover the link in the space of pregnancy and childbirth.

The Prevalence of Perinatal Depression in Women with an Autoimmune Disease

More specifically, the research team explored whether any link existed between autoimmune disease and perinatal depression risk. The research, published in Molecular Psychiatry, examined data from 815,000 women and 1,347,901 pregnancies over the years between 2001 and 2013. Of these, slightly more than 55,000 pregnancies resulted in perinatal depression diagnoses or depression occurring within one year following birth. The researchers later stratified the results by autoimmune disease subtype, as well as other familial and environmental elements.

First, they found that women with autoimmune conditions were significantly more likely than those without to have perinatal depression. Autoimmune disease increased perinatal depression risk by approximately 30%. Perhaps more interestingly, there was a similarly increased risk (also 30%) of women with perinatal depression later developing an autoimmune disease. This association was strongest for multiple sclerosis, a neurological condition that affects communication between the brain and the rest of the body. However, the research team found that there were also bidirectional associations between perinatal depression and conditions like Celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, and autoimmune thyroiditis.

The researchers note that these findings do not confirm causality, as this research was only observational. However, further research could dive deeper into this potential link – and doctors whose pregnant patients have autoimmune conditions should keep an eye on their patients and prepare to provide support and resources if needed.