New Data: Perinatal MDD Peaks 2 Weeks After Birth
A recent study found that major depressive disorder (MDD) affects about 6% of women during pregnancy and peaks at 9.8% in the first two weeks postpartum. The study analyzed data from over 2 million women and highlighted that common symptom scales often overestimate MDD prevalence. Researchers emphasize the need for early identification and intervention strategies during this critical period.
- ▪Approximately 6% of women experience MDD during pregnancy, with prevalence peaking at 9.8% in the first two weeks after birth.
- ▪The study included data from over 2 million women across 90 countries and revealed that commonly used symptom scales overestimated MDD prevalence by 71%-122%.
- ▪The highest rates of MDD were observed in southern sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, while the lowest rates were found in the high-income Asia-Pacific region.
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TOPLINE:Major depressive disorder (MDD) affected approximately 6% of women and girls during pregnancy and 7% in the first year after birth, with the prevalence peaking in the first 2 weeks after delivery, a study showed. The analysis also revealed that commonly used symptom scales — such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) — overestimated the prevalence of MDD by 71%-122% compared to diagnostic interviews.METHODOLOGY:A systematic review and meta-regression of 780 studies published between 1980 and 2025 included more than 2 million women and girls aged 10-59 years (mean age, 30 years) from 90 countries.Researchers examined more than 1500 data points from cross-sectional or longitudinal surveys to assess the prevalence of MDD during…
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