The Prevalence of Maternal Depression and Anxiety Beyond 1 Year Postpartum: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Maternal depression and anxiety occurring beyond the 1-year postpartum period can lead to significant suffering for both mother and child. This study aimed to systematically review and synthesize studies reporting the prevalence and incidence of maternal depression and anxiety beyond 1 year post-childbirth.

Methods: A systematic literature review of the PsycINFO, Medline, and Embase databases identified studies reporting on the prevalence and/or incidence of depression and/or anxiety among mothers between 1 and 12 years post-childbirth. The quality of the included studies was assessed. Findings were synthesized qualitatively.

Results: Twenty-one studies were identified that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All studies reported the prevalence of depression, with 31 estimates ranging from 6.6% at 3 to 11 years post-childbirth to 41.4% at 3 to 4 years post-childbirth. Five of these studies also reported the prevalence of depression in subgroups (e.g., ethnic origin, income, marital status). Four studies reported the prevalence of anxiety, with nine estimates ranging from 3.7% at 5 years post-childbirth to 37.0% at 3 to 4 years post-childbirth. Only one study reported incidence. The quality of the included studies was variable, with most studies scoring above 7/9.

Conclusion: Maternal anxiety and depression remain prevalent beyond the first year postpartum, particularly in marginalized subgroups. Current observational studies lack consistency and produce highly variable prevalence rates, calling for more standardized measures of depression and anxiety. Clinical practice and research should consider the prevalence of maternal anxiety and depression beyond this period.

Keywords: Maternal anxiety; Maternal depression; Prevalence; Systematic review.