Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression

A deeper understanding of risk factors for postpartum depression (PPD) is crucial for its prevention and screening. Hutchens BF and Kearney J. summarized and synthesized previously published systematic reviews and meta-analyses regarding postpartum depression in their review.

They searched eight databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, SCOPUS, PsycEXTRA, and Cochrane, and included studies that examined one or more risk factors for PPD and were published between 1996 and 2016. 

Their final sample included 21 articles, which ranged in numerous ways, including the scope of risk factors explored and statistical methods. These methodological variations between reviews restricted standardized statistical aggregation. From this body of literature, they identified 25 statistically significant risk factors and two additional risk factors with inconclusive findings. The most common risk factors described were high life stress, lack of social support, current or past abuse, prenatal depression, and marital or partner dissatisfaction. They also identified two strongest risk factors for PPD prenatal depression and current abuse.

Since untreated PPD leaves women and their children vulnerable to numerous negative short-term and long-term outcomes, a better understanding of PPD risk factors improves maternal and child outcomes by allowing healthcare providers to anticipate the needs of affected women better.

Hutchens BF, Kearney J. Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression: An Umbrella Review. Journal of Midwifery and women's health. 2020;65(1):96-108.https://doi.org/10.1111/jmwh.13067