Etiology, risk factors, and methods of postpartum depression prevention.

OBJECTIVE: To bring actual summary of knowledge about etiology and risk factors for development of postpartum depression, and modern methods of its prevention. DESIGN: Review. SETTING: National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany. METHODS: Narrative review. RESULTS: Both biological (sex and stress hormones, thyroid hormones) and psychosocial factors take part in development of postpartum depression. Positive personal medical history for psychiatric illness, low level of social support and domestic violence during pregnancy or after delivery are the major risk factors for development of postpartum depression. Active screening and following treatment based on cooperation between gynecology-obstetrics and psychiatry is the major method of postpartum depression prevention. CONCLUSION: Currently, there is no clear biomarker of postpartum depression available. Future use of modern technologies may increase the availability of information on mental health in perinatal period, and also bring the time non-consuming method of active screening for women at risk of postpartum depression. Keywords puerperium, postpartum depression, baby blues, etiology, risk factors, prevention.