Pharmacologic Treatment of Perinatal Depression

Megan George — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 19:44:10 +0000

Date Added:

November 21, 2025

Journal/Publication:

JAMA Insights

Publication Date:

November 19, 2025

URL:

Pharmacologic Treatment of Perinatal Depression

Type:

Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines

Format:

Article

DOI (1):

10.1001/jama.2025.17250

Keywords

Pharmacology

Perinatal Depression

Major Depressive Disorder

abuse

depression

PMID (1):

41259042

A review of the treatment of patients with perinatal depression with an emphasis on pharmalogic therapy. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

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Approximately 1 in 7 individuals are affected by perinatal depression, defined as a depressive episode occurring during pregnancy or within 12 months after delivery. Although the diagnostic criteria are similar to those of major depressive disorder, perinatal depression may also include symptoms such as difficulty forming an emotional attachment with the fetus or infant, persistent doubts about parenting abilities, and intrusive thoughts of harm to self or infant.1 Mental health conditions are leading contributors to maternal mortality in the US; among reporting states, the rate of death from perinatal suicide ranges from 4.2 to 21.4 per 100 000 pregnancies.2 Untreated or undertreated perinatal depression increases other maternal risks, including limited engagement in care, impaired relationships, substance use, preeclampsia, and suicide, as well as fetal or neonatal risks, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and disrupted attachment with long-term developmental consequences.3 Individuals from marginalized communities, such as those who are non–English speaking, uninsured, or geographically isolated, experience a higher prevalence of perinatal depression and are at increased risk of underdiagnosis and undertreatment.3

Risk factors for perinatal depression include a personal or family history of depression, abuse, stressful life events, low socioeconomic status, adolescent or single parenthood, and pregnancy complications, such as preterm birth or pregnancy loss. Each factor individually confers only a small increase in risk, making accurate prediction based on clinical factors challenging.4 Therefore, to facilitate early identification and treatment, universal screening during and after pregnancy is recommended. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recently issued 2 Clinical Practice Guidelines on perinatal mental health, 1 on screening and diagnosis5 and 1 on treatment and management,3 highlighting opportunities for obstetricians to address existing health gaps.

Author/s:

Emily S. Miller, S. Karlene Cunningham, Lauren M. Osborne

What Is Perinatal Depression?

Erin Blanchette — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 16:36:41 +0000

Date Added:

March 26, 2024

Journal/Publication:

JAMA

Publisher:

American Medical Association

Publication Date:

March 14, 2024

URL:

What Is Perinatal Depression?

Type:

Patient Education Materials

Format:

Article

DOI (1):

10.1001/jama.2024.0434

Keywords

Depressive Disorders

Psychiatry and Behavioral Health

Patient Information

Reproductive Health

Pregnancy

Postpartum Depression

Perinatal Depression

PMID (1):

38483381

MeSH

Information for patients about perinatal depression. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

Free full text

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Perinatal depression can occur during pregnancy and the first 12 months after childbirth.

Perinatal depression, also called postpartum depression, affects about 1 in 7 perinatal individuals. More than 75% of these individuals receive no treatment for perinatal depression. Onset of perinatal depression may occur prepregnancy or may develop over the course of pregnancy and the postpartum period. Untreated perinatal depression is associated with an increased risk of suicide and has additional negative effects on the perinatal individual, the fetus (preterm birth, low birth weight), and the child (impaired attachment, which may affect neurodevelopment) and may negatively affect relationships with partners and other family members.

Author/s:

Rebecca Voelker