Narrative review about postpartum depression: an increasingly common problem

Abstract

This narrative review of the literature aims to describe the importance of postpartum depression (PPD), trying to identify the best way to detect it and the benefits of timely management. PPD is a mood disorder that affects women after giving birth. It is characterized by symptoms such as depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, weight changes, sleep disorders, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, guilt or worthlessness, and suicidal thoughts. It is estimated that it affects between 6.9% and 12.9% of women in high-income countries and up to 20% in low-income countries. The etiology of PPD involves an interplay of hormonal, neuroendocrine, genetic, neuroinflammatory, and psychosocial factors. Furthermore, various risk factors have been identified, including a family history of depression, stress, lack of social support, and health problems in the infant. Detection can be done using rapid scales like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Its management is based on different types of psychotherapy, namely cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive and interpersonal therapy, as well as pharmacological measures including serotonin reuptake inhibitor or serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor antidepressants, and other therapies like brexanolone or estrogens.