Understanding and Managing Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder characterized by depressive symptoms that occur during the perinatal period, affecting not just the woman, but also her child, family, and society. Hence, prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential. The etiopathogenesis of PPD are unclear, but it is postulated to result from a complex interaction of maternal, biological, psychosocial, and genetic factors. Maternal factors include high or tender age at pregnancy, while biological factors involve hormonal fluctuations and HPA-axis dysfunction. In addition, psychosocial contributors encompass a history of depression, anxiety symptoms during pregnancy, stressful life events and postpartum blue symptoms, single status, lower education, multiple children, multiple offsprings, poor marital relationships, and low socioeconomic status. Genetic variations in the hemicentin-1 (HMCN1) gene have also been linked to increased susceptibility to PPD. Symptoms of PPD include fatigue, sadness anhedonia, difficulty concentrating, irritability, guilt, restlessness, psychomotor agitation, and changes in appetite and weight.

Managing PPD requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes complementary health practices, psychological interventions, pharmacotherapy, and somatic therapy. Education on self-care and treatment-seeking behavior is crucial. Moreover, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) are effective psychological treatments for PPD. Although several medications, like antidepressants and hormones, have been used for PPD, they lack regulatory approval. The first FDA-approved medication for PPD is brexanolone, an injectable treatment, followed by zuranolone, a novel oral option. Both these drugs are used for the treatment of severe PPD which is refractory to other interventions.

Source: Pallavi K, Kumar K, Martand K, Maharshi V, Pharmacotherapy of postpartum depression: An update. Indian J Obstet Gynecol Res 2025;12(1):1-9.

IJCP Editorial Team

Comprising seasoned professionals and experts from the medical field, the IJCP editorial team is dedicated to delivering timely and accurate content and thriving to provide attention-grabbing information for the readers. What sets them apart are their diverse expertise, spanning academia, research, and clinical practice, and their dedication to upholding the highest standards of quality and integrity. With a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence, the IJCP editorial team strives to provide valuable perspectives, the latest trends, and in-depth analyses across various medical domains, all in a way that keeps you interested and engaged.