Postpartum depression (PPD) is a widespread mental health problem and one of the prime causes of maternal suffering and ill health. On a global level, the prevalence of the disorder is about 10 to 15%. Symptoms generally appear within the first four to six weeks, which is the high-risk period. However, it may develop up to one year post-delivery. PPD presents with symptoms of classical depression, including mood fluctuations, bouts of crying, lack of interest in the child, and even thoughts of suicide. PPD not only has adverse effects on the mother's health but also hampers the growth and development of the child. It hampers the formation of a healthy mother-child bond, which in turn may impact feeding practices. The social environment of the infant during the first few months is primarily provided by the mother, and PPD may thus impact the child's development. It also increases the child's susceptibility to malnutrition.Research on postpartum depression has garnered momentum within the last few years. However, the masses are still largely unaware of the disorder and its implications. There is also an inadequacy of awareness of the risk factors of PPD. The cross-cultural differences in manifestations and appropriate preventive measures have not been extensively studied. Some risk factors for PPD are similar to those for classic depression; however, obstetrical and pediatric factors are also involved. This literature review aims to assess the currently known risk factors for PPD, their strength of association, and probable mechanisms to help identify the high-risk group and enable the implementation of preventive measures or facilitate early diagnosis. The factors identified spanned sociodemographic, biological, psychological, and obstetric domains. These included socioeconomic standing, marital relationship, history of psychiatric illness, social support, gestational diabetes, vitamin D deficiency, immigration status, delivery method, violence and abuse, birth experience, and biological and epigenetic markers. The risk factors for postpartum depression are numerous and may have strong to weak associations with the development of PPD. A previous history of depression or psychiatric illness, depressive symptoms during pregnancy, gestational diabetes, and a lack of spousal and social support were the most powerful risk factors. Other significant factors include complications during pregnancy, low socioeconomic status, and stressful life events. Studies on maternal age and chronic illness as risk factors were inconclusive. The roles of genetic and epigenetic markers, cultural factors, and vitamin D insufficiency require further investigation.

Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a late manifestation of varicella-zoster virus infection, occurs when the virus reactivates, infects, and produces an inflammatory reaction in the seventh cranial nerve geniculate ganglion. The detection is made clinically on the basis of the following three features: facial nerve palsy, the presence of characteristic herpetic vesicles around the mouth, and pain in the ear. However, it is often diagnosed quite late and sometimes even missed, increasing the chances of complications that have long-term effects. The two significant complications following the development of Ramsay Hunt syndrome are facial nerve palsy and hearing impairment. Ramsay Hunt syndrome is among the principal causes of facial nerve palsy, implicated in around 2-10% of all cases. While hearing loss though prevalent, is a less common complication than facial palsy. This review aimed to analyze the clinical presentation and prognostic features of the complications of Ramsay Hunt syndrome mentioned above, that is, hearing loss and facial nerve palsy. It was seen that while the association of Ramsay Hunt syndrome with facial nerve palsy has been studied quite extensively, the literature on hearing loss as a sequela is quite lacking. The course and outcome of facial nerve palsy is determined by the early clinical picture, while the otological symptoms rely on the extent of nerve involvement. Early diagnosis and treatment go a long way in preventing these complications and increasing the chances of complete recovery. Treatment options most commonly studied included antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, steroids, and anti-inflammatory agents.