A closer look at the preventative effect of antidepressants in postpartum depression

Antidepressants are commonly recommended for prevention of postpartum depression; however, there is a lack of clarity about their role in the reduction of postpartum recurrences. Surprisingly, there are only two randomized controlled trials, one open trial, and one prospective cohort study on the subject. Evidence in support of the use of antidepressants is limited to a study of only 22 women. Due to the paucity of extant literature, no firm conclusions can be drawn about the prophylactic efficacy of antidepressants.