Perinatal psychiatric disorders are common, affecting up to 20% of women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The impact of these disorders can be significant, not only for the mother but also for the infant and the family as a whole. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying perinatal psychiatric disorders is essential for the development of effective treatments and interventions.

This Research Topic aims to bring together cutting-edge research on the molecular mechanisms of perinatal psychiatric disorders, including their genetic, epigenetic, and environmental determinants. We invite original research, reviews, and perspectives that address the following topics:

- The genetic basis of perinatal psychiatric disorders: recent advances in identifying genetic risk factors for perinatal psychiatric disorders, including postpartum depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
- Epigenetic mechanisms in perinatal psychiatry: the role of epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, in the development and progression of perinatal psychiatric disorders.
- The role of maternal and fetal neurobiology in perinatal psychiatric disorders: the impact of maternal stress, inflammation, and infection on fetal brain development, and the associated risk for perinatal psychiatric disorders.
- The role of the microbiome in perinatal psychiatric disorders: the impact of the gut microbiome on maternal and fetal brain development, and the associated risk for perinatal psychiatric disorders.
- The role of perinatal hormones in perinatal psychiatric disorders: the impact of hormonal changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period on maternal mental health, and the associated risk for perinatal psychiatric disorders.
- Emerging therapies for perinatal psychiatric disorders: novel therapeutic targets and approaches for the prevention and treatment of perinatal psychiatric disorders, including non-pharmacological interventions such as mindfulness-based interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and other behavioral therapies.
- Translational and clinical perspectives.

We particularly encourage submissions that explore new avenues for the development of targeted therapies for perinatal psychiatric disorders, and that highlight the translational potential of research on the molecular mechanisms of these disorders.

With this Research Topic, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on the molecular mechanisms of perinatal psychiatric disorders, and to highlight new directions for future research. We welcome submissions from a variety of disciplines, including genetics, neurobiology, epigenetics, microbiology, and endocrinology.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

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Frontiers in Psychiatry

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