Postpartum depression linked to atopic dermatitis in children

Postpartum depression can have a number of profound effects not only on the mother, but for children as well. A new study published in Dermatitis indicates that children with mothers who had postpartum depression may have an increased risk of developing atopic dermatitis (AD).¹

The investigators used the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS), which is a prospective cohort study of 4898 children who were born in 20 metropolitan cities in the United States. They found that a history of postpartum depression was linked with childhood AD (multivariable logistic regression; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-1.64). The association was particularly pronounced in children aged 5 years (aOR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.04-1.73) and 9 years (aOR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.10-1.70).

A history of maternal depression increases AD risk

Additionally, postpartum depression was linked to more persistent AD (present at age 2 years: aOR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.12-2.22; at 3 years: aOR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.15-2.60). A history of maternal depression in the past year was linked to significantly higher odds of AD in children aged 5 years (aOR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.20-1.99); 9 years (aOR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.10-1.71); and 15 years (aOR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.13-1.80).

Furthermore, mother’s depression was associated with higher odds of AD in offspring during 1 year (aOR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.16-1.94), 2 years (aOR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.16-2.19), or all 3 years of interviews (aOR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.06-2.45).

The researchers concluded that depression in the postpartum period and beyond appears to be linked with AD in both childhood and adolescence.

References:

1. McKenzie C, Silverberg J. Maternal depression and atopic dermatitis in American children and adolescents. Dermatitis. 2020;31(1):75-80.