One in 15 women suffers from major depression in the year following childbirth, according to a global review

This is a systematic review of the global prevalence of depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This is a very important topic, as the high incidence of depression during this period contrasts with social conventions that associate pregnancy and childbirth with a time in life when it is natural to be happy and mentally well. However, as the study confirms through a rigorous review of the scientific literature, the prevalence of depression is higher during this period than in the general population and is particularly high in the postpartum period. The study excludes transient states of sadness or emotional lability commonly seen in the days immediately following childbirth and focuses on major depression, which is more severe and long-lasting.

In Spain, there are few specialized services and programs dedicated to women’s mental health care during this crucial period of life. In most cases, women with postpartum depression do not receive comprehensive care through centers that allow for the treatment of depression without neglecting the needs of the newborn and the bonding process, which is essential for a healthy emotional relationship between mother and baby and their subsequent development. This study indicates that we must promote mental health care during pregnancy and the postpartum period and develop specialized programs and centers.

A recent review of the global prevalence of major depression during the perinatal period (from pregnancy through the first year after childbirth) confirms that it is a common problem worldwide. The results show not only that depression is present during pregnancy, but that it peaks two weeks after childbirth and remains high throughout the first postpartum year, which has a devastating impact on the woman, her baby, and the entire family.

This study, led by Dr. Ferrari as part of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study, stands out for its high methodological quality. One of the most significant findings is that the screening questionnaires commonly used in both research and clinical practice (such as the EPDS or the PHQ-9) tend to overestimate the prevalence of depression. This result highlights two key issues: on the one hand, the need for validated instruments in each cultural context, as is the case in Spain; and on the other, the importance of supplementing screening with structured diagnostic interviews, which remain the gold standard for confirming cases of major depression.

Even taking this adjustment into account, the prevalence of perinatal depression remains considerable and higher than that observed in the general female population. Furthermore, the study highlights significant differences between regions of the world, likely related to socioeconomic factors, structural inequalities, and access to health services, reinforcing the need to adapt perinatal mental health care to each specific context.

Taken together, these results support the integration of perinatal mental health into services for pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. To move forward in this direction, it is essential to establish clear protocols for screening, prevention, and treatment, as well as to develop evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to guide healthcare professionals.