英伦广角 2013-07-06 新的基因检测技术能预测产后抑郁，只需十英镑

 They are close now, but it's taken the best part of three years for Rachael Dobson to recover from postnatal depression that was so severe it might have ended in tragedy. She wanted little to do with Andreas when he was born. The smiles were for the camera, inside she felt useless as a mom, and as the sense of hopeless grew, she considered suicide, or even harming her son.

 

-I remembered him crying, ups and lows. I think I tried every tip books, you can possibly think of, feeding, winding¹, changing his nappy, and I just, 'cause he just wouldn't be quiet, I just started to get feelings that what if I smother² him. At least he would be quiet then and I am able to sort myself out. But then so for a split second, you may get scared of yourself, because how can you think of that about a vulnerable baby?

 

The answers could lie in the genes³. In a world first research of identifying key genetic⁴ changes that make postnatal depression between 3 and 5 times more likely. The scientists have developed a simple blood test that can be done in the early pregnancy⁵ that identifies women at risk, so they can be given psychological support before their baby is even born.

 

-It is extremely important, because with clearly these evidences that if you can identify women at risk early, you could be able to treat early or take measures early in order to prevent or stop the process or the disease.

 

One in seven women suffers the postnatal depression to some degree. The research of University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust suggest that the genetic changes lead to hormonal⁶ disruption that leaves women vulnerable to stress and anxiety, and finally depression.

 

Researchers are now hoping to refine the tests still further. Ultimately, they hope to use robots like this to screen all pregnant women for as little as 10 pounds a time, and the test could be ready within five years.

 

Rachael says the test could help prevent other mums suffering as she did. Support from her family and health visitor eventually lifted her mood. Now, feeling stronger, she runs the Panda's Charity to help other affected⁷ women and she's thinking about having another baby.

 

-Before I was pretty adamant⁸, I can get through it again, but I know now where I can get that support from, so I know if I did have another child, I could speak to people about it. And I think that makes a lot better.

 

The odd day can still be a struggle for Rachael, but her bond with Andreas couldn't be stronger.

1 winding   

n.绕，缠，绕组，线圈

参考例句：

• A winding lane led down towards the river.一条弯弯曲曲的小路通向河边。
• The winding trail caused us to lose our orientation.迂回曲折的小道使我们迷失了方向。

2 smother   

vt./vi.使窒息；抑制；闷死；n.浓烟；窒息

参考例句：

• They tried to smother the flames with a damp blanket.他们试图用一条湿毯子去灭火。
• We tried to smother our laughter.我们强忍住笑。

3 genes   

n.基因( gene的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• You have good genes from your parents, so you should live a long time. 你从父母那儿获得优良的基因，所以能够活得很长。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Differences will help to reveal the functions of the genes. 它们间的差异将会帮助我们揭开基因多种功能。 来自英汉非文学 - 生命科学 - 生物技术的世纪

4 genetic   

adj.遗传的，遗传学的

参考例句：

• It's very difficult to treat genetic diseases.遗传性疾病治疗起来很困难。
• Each daughter cell can receive a full complement of the genetic information.每个子细胞可以收到遗传信息的一个完全补偿物。

5 pregnancy   

n.怀孕，怀孕期

参考例句：

• Early pregnancy is often accompanied by nausea.怀孕早期常有恶心的现象。
• Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage.怀孕期吸烟会增加流产的危险。

6 hormonal   

adj.激素的

参考例句：

• Some viral diseases are more severe during pregnancy, probably tecause of hormonal changes. 有些病毒病在妊娠期间比较严重，可能是由于激素变化引起的。
• She underwent surgical intervention and a subsequent short period of hormonal therapy. 他接受外科手术及随后短暂荷尔蒙治疗。

7 affected   

adj.不自然的，假装的

参考例句：

• She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
• His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。

8 adamant   

adj.坚硬的，固执的

参考例句：

• We are adamant on the building of a well-off society.在建设小康社会这一点上，我们是坚定不移的。
• Veronica was quite adamant that they should stay on.维罗妮卡坚信他们必须继续留下去。