Postpartum Depression: Clinical Screening, Diagnosis, Treatment and Follow-up

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) can impair maternal functioning, infant care, and family well-being. Effective management requires symptom screening followed by diagnostic evaluation, safety assessment, treatment, and follow-up. This narrative review summarizes clinical guidelines, systematic reviews, and major trials published through October 2026. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 support screening and symptom monitoring but do not establish diagnosis. Cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and antidepressants remain established treatments. Oral zuranolone offers a short-course option for selected patients, subject to safety and infant-care planning. A randomized trial supports supervised telemedicine and task-shared psychotherapy. Coordinated obstetric and mental health follow-up supports continuity of care.