Peripartum depression: Early recognition improves outcomes

Cleve Clin J Med. 2017 May;84(5):388-396. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.84a.14060.

Abstract

Depression is highly prevalent in women of childbearing age, especially during the postpartum period. Early recognition and treatment improve outcomes for mother, developing fetus, and infant. Caution is warranted when prescribing antidepressants to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, but evidence is mounting that the risks of untreated maternal depression outweigh those of pharmacologic treatment for it.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Depression / diagnosis*
  • Depression / drug therapy
  • Depression / psychology
  • Depression, Postpartum / drug therapy
  • Depression, Postpartum / psychology
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Peripartum Period / psychology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy Complications / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy Complications / psychology

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents