A Review on Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression in India and Its Management

Abstract

Postpartum depression is the term used for depression that predominates in the postpartum period, which is increasingly seen in research and clinical practice up to 1 year after delivery. Other symptoms commonly seen in women with postpartum depression include mood swings or lability and excessive worry about the baby. In addition, postpartum depression is often associated with anxiety disorders or significant anxiety symptoms. Women with a history of psychiatric illness are prone to postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a crucial psychological health ailment that confers a vast degree of disability in females and is often associated with significant emotional, behavioral, and cognitive dangers in children. It is a disorder that is often unrecognized and undertreated. Postpartum depression is a critical issue to be addressed because it interferes with a woman's self-care and parenting. It also affects a child's mental growth and development. For these reasons, evaluation of risk factors is required to consider every facet of postpartum depression in women. This article reviews the associated risk factors and management of postpartum depression in India. Traditional studies for risk factors in postpartum depression have typically categorized women according to a particular stage of pregnancy that follows them into postpartum depression. Pregnancy-associated risk factors are estimated during pregnancy and are looked up for their predictive association with postpartum depression defined by clinical diagnostic methods or self-report assessment. Treatment options include psychotherapy and antidepressant medication. The risk of postpartum depression in fathers also follows maternal postpartum depression. Paternal depressive disorder is associated with adverse effects on child development. Early intervention for postpartum depression and anxiety may decrease the severity and recurrence of symptoms as well as the negative effects on the baby's health and development.

Keywords: depression in india; mental health; paternal postpartum depression; postpartum complications; postpartum depression; treatment.

Figure 1. Formulation for postpartum depression.

MDD, major depressive disorder; PDD, postpartum depression; PMDD, premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Based on [34].