Postpartum Depression: A Review of Prevalence, Etiological Factors, Treatment Approaches, and Stress-Related Pathways

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a multifaceted mood disorder influenced by a combination of physiological, psychological, and social factors. It not only compromises maternal well-being but may also adversely impact infant neuro-development and social learning capacities. This paper explores the etiological determinants, therapeutic interventions, and stress-related neurobiological mechanisms underlying PPD. The findings underscore that PPD arises from a complex interplay of hormonal fluctuations and dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Moreover, it is associated with significant developmental outcomes in offspring, particularly in relation to brain maturation and early social functioning. Prenatal stress is also shown to exert detrimental effects on infant health. These findings reinforce the view that maternal mental health during and after pregnancy has lasting intergenerational implications. This study advances the current body of knowledge by synthesizing recent literature on the hormonal, biological, and psychosocial dimensions of PPD, while addressing a critical gap concerning the interaction between prenatal stress and maternal mental health.