[Postpartum depression: challenges in diagnosis and destigmatization]

Postpartum depression (PPD) is among the most prevalent mental disorders, affecting approximately 17% of women worldwide. This condition represents a significant medical and social concern, negatively influencing both the psychophysiological health of mothers and the cognitive and emotional development of their newborns. The ongoing relevance of this issue is underscored by the persistent gap between evidence-based diagnostic methods and the actual care coverage for affected women. Multi-level barriers, particularly stigma, frequently compel women to conceal symptoms and avoid seeking assistance. This review aims to systematize recent international scientific findings on the principal obstacles to diagnosing PPD and to evaluate effective strategies to overcome these challenges. The literature search included PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science, covering publications from 2016 to 2025. Addressing stigma is essential for improving the health of millions of mothers and their families. An interdisciplinary approach within a destigmatized environment can facilitate early detection, comprehensive risk assessment, and timely intervention, thereby enhancing outcomes.