Perinatal Depression: An Update and Overview

Abstract

Over the last 3 years there have been notable developments in screening and treatment of perinatal depression. Most importantly, the DSM-V has made only minor changes in the diagnostic criteria for perinatal depression as compared to the DSM-IV; “perinatal”, as opposed to “postpartum”, is a specifier for depression with a requirement that the depression onset occurs during pregnancy or the first 4 weeks postpartum. Advances in the treatment of perinatal depression have been made over the last 3 years, including both prevention and acute interventions. Additional support has emerged confirming the primary risk factors for perinatal depression: a personal or family history, low SES, and poor interpersonal support. There is general agreement that universal screening be conducted for all perinatal women, both by the woman’s obstetrician and the baby’s pediatrician.

The Effect of Maternal Depression on Infant Attachment: A Systematic Review

“…PPD is a common and serious mental health problem, and one that is a source of suffering for both the mother and her offspring. It is often defined as an episode of a major or sometimes minor depressive disorder that occurs anytime within the first year postpartum [6]; however, most episodes begin within two to three months after giving birth [5,7]. The prevalence of PPD has been estimated to range from 9% to 19% depending on the recognition criteria, the period of time under consideration and population type [8].…”

The risk factors of antenatal depression: A cross‐sectional survey

“…American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM‐5) defines PPD as a major depressive episode “with peri partum onset of mood symptoms which occur during pregnancy or within 4 weeks following delivery” (American Psychiatric, American Psychiatric Association, & American Psychiatric, ). However, although the influence of biological factors on mood 4 weeks postpartum will be significantly reduced, it is considered that the psychosocial stress that women facing during postpartum will not be relieved within 4 weeks, and the depression that occurs outside this period still produces negative outcomes and requires treatment (Stuart‐Parrigon & Stuart, ). Therefore, in the current academic study on PPD, the period is generally defined as antenatal and postnatal within one year after childbirth (O'Hara & Wisner, ).…”

“…However, although the influence of biological factors on mood 4 weeks postpartum will be significantly reduced, it is considered that the psychosocial stress that women facing during postpartum will not be relieved within 4 weeks, and the depression that occurs outside this period still produces negative outcomes and requires treatment (Stuart-Parrigon & Stuart, 2014). Therefore, in the current academic study on PPD, the period is generally defined as antenatal and postnatal within one year after childbirth (O'Hara & Wisner, 2013).…”

Effectiveness of medical self‐experience counseling in pregnant women after echocardiographic detection of a suspected fetal heart anomaly: A longitudinal study

“…Despite the positive effects of fetal echocardiography, many studies have shown that suspicion of a heart malformation in the fetus leads to psychological stress during pregnancy and anxiety often accompanies the period of diagnosis. [4][5][6][7] The effects of prenatal depression and anxiety on a fetus have been researched for decades and several studies have confirmed that infants of prenatally depressed mothers are at risk of a wide variety of negative outcomes. [8][9][10][11] Fetal echocardiography is no longer limited to providing an accurate diagnosis and prognosis of CHDs and presenting various therapeutic options to the parents.…”