Major Depressive Disorder in Postpartum mothers

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? 6.8% global point MDD during first postpartum year
Is it more common among postpartum mothers? Slightly higher than pregnancy
Are postpartum mothers at higher risk? Yes
How much higher is the risk? 6.8% vs 6.2% pregnancy
How often can it be missed? High
Does it show up differently among postpartum mothers? Somewhat
How might it look different? Sleep disruption, fatigue, guilt and functioning overlap early parenthood
What commonly occurs alongside it? Anxiety; previous/perinatal depression
What can it be confused with? Postpartum blues; bipolar disorder; postpartum psychosis; thyroid disease
Common screening tool PHQ-9
Separate screening tool for postpartum mothers EPDS
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