Epidemiology

Overall, most reports suggest that around 10% to 20% of new mothers will experience postnatal depression.[6][16][17][18]​​ Reported prevalence is generally lower in high-income countries (6.9% to 12.9%) compared with low- or middle-income countries (20%).[11][19]​​ According to one systematic review, the mean prevalence in eight African countries appears to be around 18.3%.[20] 

One large review of 143 studies from 40 countries reports a wide range in the prevalence of postnatal depression worldwide, ranging from 0% to 60%.[21] It is unclear whether the wide range in reported prevalence in the studies above is related to cultural differences or to the heterogeneity between studies in defining and assessing depression.[22] ​There is some evidence that exposure to a culture that emphasises family support for the mother in the first month following childbirth is associated with lower rates of postnatal depression.[23]

Symptom onset in pregnancy (and before pregnancy) is not uncommon; therefore, the term ‘perinatal depression’ may be strictly more accurate.[6][7]​​ 

Studies examining comorbidity suggest that postnatal depression frequently occurs concurrently with other psychiatric disorders occurring in the postnatal period, particularly anxiety disorders.[24][25]​ The prevalence of comorbid depression and anxiety within the postnatal period has been reported as 4.2%.[26]

Postnatal depression is an important risk factor for maternal suicide.[27]​ Maternal suicide is a leading cause of maternal mortality, and is believed to account for approximately 20% of maternal deaths in the postnatal period.[28][29][30]​​​

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