Abstract

A REVIEW ON POST-PARTUM DEPRESSION

Dr. Satish S.* and Aiswarya T. V.

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a devastating mental disorder affecting 10-20% of new mothers. Psychiatric disorders always go unnoticed, even with the high prevalence. This review summarizes the variousanticipated pathophysiological mechanisms contributory to PPD, by highlighting clinical and basic science research findings. Additionally, the review discussed the risk factors, management, treatment, and biomarkers of PPD. This study aimed to review the related study on PPD and provide a current update on the concept, treatment, and future perspective. The extensive literature search was carried out using major search engines like PubMed, Embase, and Scopus using the Boolean operators. ProQuest, in the period 2012-2022, published articles with keywords post-partum depression, risk factors, treatment, pathophysiology, biomarkers, and management. Data generated from this current review can be used for developing a screening tool and a preventative program for high-risk pregnant women. The PPD mechanism study provides insight into the development of early diagnosis and treatment of the condition. The update on the PPD offers researchersthe voids that need to be filled in the area of diagnosis and management of the condition The current review provides an update on PPD. It also recommends prioritizing mental health care and carrying out more studies on the early identification of risk for the development of PPD. It is anticipated that emerging knowledge on pathophysiology and risk factors will lead to the developmentof new treatments for PPD.

Keywords: Post-partum depression, Risk factors, Psychiatric disorder, Treatment, Management.