Postpartum depression beyond the early postpartum period

To review the literature concerning maternal postpartum depression beyond the early postpartum period.

A literature search was conducted using Cinahl, Medline, and PsychInfo electronic databases. Keywords included postpartum depression, postpartum depressive symptoms, course, prevalence, incidence, and remission.

Studies selected included incidence of maternal depression or depressive symptoms, existing in the early postpartum period, and measured again at postpartum points from 6 months through 2 1/2 years after delivery. Only studies published in English were included. Twenty-three articles were located, and a recent relevant study conducted by the current author also was included.

Studies were reviewed and data organized according to year, sample characteristics, time of depression assessment, instrument used, cutoff score, rate of depression, and factors associated with depression at later postpartum time points.

For a significant percentage of women, postpartum depressive symptoms continue for months or even years after giving birth. Factors associated with postpartum depression at later time points are identified.

Continued evaluation of women with elevated depression levels at initial screening, and treatment for women whose depression does not remit spontaneously within the first few weeks or months postpartum is recommended. Further research is needed to understand the phenomenon of persistent postpartum depression.