Value Proposition:
Unmet Need:
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a debilitating mood disorder that affects about 10–15% of new mothers and can have a major impact on the health and well-being of both mother and child. However, the true number of women affected is likely much higher and many cases go undiagnosed as PPD patients do not recognize their symptoms or fail to seek medical help. Currently, PPD diagnosis occurs following symptom onset and is based on questionnaires such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), followed by a medical evaluation. While these tools are helpful, they rely on self-reported symptoms and often detect PPD only after a symptom onset. In order to improve outcomes and identify all patients in need of treatment, there is a critical need for a simple, objective tests that can identify women at risk of developing PPD prior to symptom onset..
Technology Description:
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a molecular-based diagnostic assay for the risk potential and early detection of PPD. The group has identified a panel of circulating PPD nucleic acid biomarkers in maternal blood during pregnancy that can be measured by quantitative PCR (qPCR). By detecting these markers, healthcare providers can accurately identify individuals at higher risk for developing PPD and implement early intervention strategies.
Stage of Development:
Data Availability:
Data available upon request.
Publication:
