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Brain Sciences
Special Issues
Perinatal Psychiatry: Mental Health During Pregnancy and the Postpartum
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Perinatal Psychiatry: Mental Health During Pregnancy and the Postpartum

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Neuropsychiatry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 4511

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Saulo Gantes Tractenberg

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Guest Editor
School of Health, Psychology Department, University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), Av. Unisinos, 950. Bairro Cristo Rei São Leopoldo/RS CEP: 93.022-750, São Leopoldo 93022-000, Brazil
Interests: psychology; neuroscience; cognitive and experimental psychology; stress
Prof. Dr. Thiago Wendt Viola

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Medicine, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul, Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre 90690-900, Brazil
Interests: psychology; early life stress; development; cognitive neuroscience
Dr. Tagma Marina Schneider Donelli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
School of Health, Psychology Department, University of Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS), Av. Unisinos, 950. Bairro Cristo Rei São Leopoldo/RS CEP: 93.022-750, São Leopoldo 93022-000, Brazil
Interests: child; development; prenatal care; maternal health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Perinatal psychiatric disorders constitute a significant public health concern, affecting a substantial proportion of women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. These conditions, including perinatal depression, anxiety disorders, and postpartum psychosis, are among the most prevalent complications of childbirth, with far-reaching consequences for both maternal and infant health.

Emerging evidence underscores the multifactorial etiology of perinatal mental illness, encompassing neurobiological, hormonal, genetic, and psychosocial determinants. Despite increasing recognition of its impact, perinatal mental health remains underdiagnosed and undertreated, necessitating further research and clinical advancements.

This Special Issue aims to advance scientific understandings of perinatal psychiatric disorders by integrating current findings on their pathophysiology, risk factors, and treatment approaches. We invite contributions in the form of narrative and systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and original empirical studies that develop existing knowledge and inform clinical practice in this critical area of mental health.

Prof. Dr. Saulo Gantes Tractenberg
Prof. Dr. Thiago Wendt Viola
Guest Editors

Dr. Tagma Marina Schneider Donelli
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • perinatal
  • postpartum
  • mental health
  • pregnancy
  • postpartum depression
  • postpartum psychosis
  • psychiatric disorders
  • puerperal disorders
  • infant
  • perinatal care

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 299 KB  
Article
Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Storm Fear Questionnaire in Brazilian Pregnant Women Exposed to an Extreme Climate Event
by Miguel G. Garcia, Bernardo B. C. Baldi, Pedro Giuberti, João Henrique Chrusciel, Sofia T. Berlaver, Gabriela C. Machado, Martina A. Lodi, Christian H. Kristensen, Saulo Gantes Tractenberg, Rodrigo Grassi-Oliveira and Thiago W. Viola
Brain Sci. 2026, 16(3), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16030288 - 4 Mar 2026
Viewed by 556
Abstract
Background: Extreme weather events, such as storms, may evoke intense fear in individuals and impair their daily functioning, resulting in significant distress. In Brazil, recent climate-related disasters have highlighted the need to assess storm fear in the population. Objective: This study aimed to [...] Read more.
Background: Extreme weather events, such as storms, may evoke intense fear in individuals and impair their daily functioning, resulting in significant distress. In Brazil, recent climate-related disasters have highlighted the need to assess storm fear in the population. Objective: This study aimed to translate, adapt, and validate the Storm Fear Questionnaire (SFQ) for the Brazilian context. Methods: Translation and adaptation were conducted, followed by back-translation, review by an expert panel, and acceptability assessment by the target population. For the psychometric evaluation, a sample of 268 postpartum women exposed to a flood in southern Brazil completed the SFQ and the following questionnaires: the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), and the Pregnancy Experience Scale—Brief Version (PES-Brief). Results: The instrument showed excellent acceptability in the target population and good content validity. Regarding criterion validity, Pearson correlations indicated high convergence between the SFQ and PCL-5 and moderate convergence with the BDI-II. Regarding construct validity, SFQ scores were significantly higher among postpartum women who had to leave their homes due to the flood or had their houses affected by floodwaters. The first factor generated in the factor analysis explained 35.2% of the variance, with 14 out of 15 items presenting loadings greater than 0.40. Internal consistency was high (α = 0.88). Conclusions: The Brazilian version of the SFQ is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing fear of storms. Future studies are needed to evaluate the instrument’s applicability in diverse populations across the country. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perinatal Psychiatry: Mental Health During Pregnancy and the Postpartum)
10 pages, 603 KB  
Article
Bounce-Based Aerobic Exercise Improves Postpartum Mood: A Large-Scale Pre–Post Study
by Shizuka Torashima, Sonoko Fujibayashi, Naoko Kishimoto and Mina Samukawa
Brain Sci. 2026, 16(2), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16020133 - 27 Jan 2026
Viewed by 665
Abstract
Background: Postpartum mental health challenges are increasingly recognized as a major public health concern, particularly during the early months after childbirth when emotional vulnerability is heightened. Although aerobic exercise is known to be associated with mood improvement, few large-scale studies have examined the [...] Read more.
Background: Postpartum mental health challenges are increasingly recognized as a major public health concern, particularly during the early months after childbirth when emotional vulnerability is heightened. Although aerobic exercise is known to be associated with mood improvement, few large-scale studies have examined the acute psychological effects of a single exercise session in postpartum women, especially in contexts where environmental barriers restrict opportunities for physical activity. Methods: A total of 628 postpartum mothers (2–6 months postpartum) residing in a snowbound region of northern Japan participated in a single-session indoor bounce-based aerobic exercise program. Mood states were assessed immediately before and after the session using the validated Japanese short-form Profile of Mood States (POMS). Open-ended comments were also collected and analyzed thematically. Results: Paired analyses demonstrated significant acute improvements in key mood domains. Tension–Anxiety decreased (mean difference −7.91, 95% CI [−8.82, −7.00]; d = −0.68), and Anger–Hostility decreased (−4.61, 95% CI [−5.40, −3.82]; d = −0.45), while Vigor increased (11.82, 95% CI [10.47, 13.17]; d = 0.69) (all p < 0.001). In contrast, Depression–Dejection showed no significant change (−0.33, 95% CI [−1.30, 0.64]; p = 0.613). Conclusions: A single session of indoor bounce-based aerobic exercise was associated with immediate improvements in emotional well-being among postpartum women, particularly in anxiety-related and activation-related mood states. Because this exercise modality can be performed safely at home and is well suited to regions where outdoor physical activity is restricted, it may represent an accessible strategy for supporting postpartum mental health. Future research should examine longitudinal effects, controlled designs, and optimal program frequency to determine sustained benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perinatal Psychiatry: Mental Health During Pregnancy and the Postpartum)
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16 pages, 300 KB  
Article
Effectiveness of Telepsychotherapy Versus Face-to-Face Psychological Intervention for Perinatal Anxiety and Depressive Symptomatology During COVID-19: The Case of an Italian Perinatal Psychological Care Service
by Beatrice Allegri, Giacomo Deste, Valeria Brenna, Emanuela Saveria Gritti, Linda Confalonieri, Alessandra Puzzini, Irene Corbani, Andrea Zucchetti, Umberto Mazza, Tamara Rabà, Mauro Percudani, Stefano Barlati and Antonio Vita
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(9), 963; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15090963 - 4 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1380
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 has limited pregnant and postpartum women’s access to mental health services, leading to the introduction of online interventions. Objectives: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of telepsychotherapy (i.e., psychotherapy provided through digital technology supporting real-time interactivity in the audio or [...] Read more.
Background: COVID-19 has limited pregnant and postpartum women’s access to mental health services, leading to the introduction of online interventions. Objectives: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of telepsychotherapy (i.e., psychotherapy provided through digital technology supporting real-time interactivity in the audio or audiovisual modality) with the one yielded by face-to-face interventions in treating perinatal depression and anxiety and to assess the therapist’s perceived alliance in both interventions. Methods: We collected anamnestic information and obstetrical risk factors for 61 women. We evaluated the effectiveness of face-to-face (N = 31) vs. telepsychotherapy (N = 30) interventions on depressive and anxiety symptoms at baseline (T0) and the end of treatment (T1) using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y 1 and 2). We assessed the degree of alliance perceived by therapists with the Working Alliance Inventory (WAI-T). Results: Both groups showed significant decreases in depressive (EPDS face-to-face: T0 12.65 ± 5.81, T1 5.77 ± 4.63, p < 0.001; EPDS remote: T0 11.93 ± 5.24, T1 5.70 ± 4.46, p < 0.001; effect size: 0.002) and state anxiety (STAI-Y 1 face-to-face: T0 51.19 ± 13.73, T1 40.23 ± 12.86, p < 0.001; STAI-Y 1 remote: T0 51.10 ± 11.29, T1 38.00 ± 10.90, p < 0.001; effect size: 0.007//STAI-Y 2 face-to-face: T0 43.13 ± 12.11, T1 41.03 ± 13.06, p = 0.302; STAI-Y 2 remote: T0 44.20 ± 8.70, T1 39.30 ± 9.58, p = 0.003; effect size: <0.001) symptoms by the end of treatment. Women treated remotely also experienced a significant reduction in trait anxiety at T1 (p = 0.003). We found no significant differences in either symptomatology (EPDS; STAI-Y) between the two interventions at baseline or in the therapist-perceived alliance. Conclusions: Synchronous telepsychotherapy for perinatal depression and anxiety showed comparable treatment response to face-to-face interventions, with both modalities associated with significant symptom reduction and the establishment of a working alliance. These findings support the potential of telepsychotherapy as a valuable alternative when in-person services are not accessible, especially during emergency contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perinatal Psychiatry: Mental Health During Pregnancy and the Postpartum)

Other

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17 pages, 441 KB  
Study Protocol
Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Treatment of Anxiety Disorders During the Postpartum Period: A 4-Week Proof-of-Concept Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol
by Zoryana Babiy, Benicio N. Frey, Randi E. McCabe, Peter J. Bieling, Luciano Minuzzi, Christina Puccinelli and Sheryl M. Green
Brain Sci. 2026, 16(1), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci16010088 - 13 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1108
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Anxiety disorders (ADs) affect up to 20% of mothers in the postpartum period, characterized by psychological symptoms (e.g., emotion dysregulation; ER) and physical symptoms (e.g., disrupted bodily awareness). Although Cognitive Behavioural Therapy effectively reduces anxiety and mood symptoms, it shows limited [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Anxiety disorders (ADs) affect up to 20% of mothers in the postpartum period, characterized by psychological symptoms (e.g., emotion dysregulation; ER) and physical symptoms (e.g., disrupted bodily awareness). Although Cognitive Behavioural Therapy effectively reduces anxiety and mood symptoms, it shows limited efficacy in addressing ER difficulties and rarely targets interoceptive dysfunction—both common in postpartum ADs. This study evaluates the effectiveness of a brief mindfulness-based intervention in improving anxiety, ER, and interoception in mothers with postpartum ADs. A secondary aim is to examine changes in brain connectivity associated with these domains. Methods: This protocol describes a proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial involving 50 postpartum mothers with ADs. Participants will be randomized to receive either a 4-week mindfulness intervention plus treatment-as-usual (TAU) or TAU alone. Participants in the mindfulness + TAU group will complete a virtual 4-week group intervention adapted from Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy. The TAU group will receive usual care for 4 weeks and then be offered the mindfulness intervention. Self-report measures of anxiety, ER, and interoception will be collected at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up. Resting-state functional MRI will be conducted at baseline and post-intervention to assess functional connectivity changes. This trial has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07262801). Results: Improvements in anxiety, ER, and interoception are anticipated, along with decreased default mode network, and increased salience network connectivity post-intervention is hypothesized. Conclusions: This study will be the first to examine the combined psychological and neural effects of mindfulness in postpartum ADs, offering a potentially scalable mind–body treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perinatal Psychiatry: Mental Health During Pregnancy and the Postpartum)
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