How Perinatal Depression Impacts the Long-Term Health of Mothers

A new study from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden of women who gave birth between 2001 and 2018 analyzes the long-term mortality risks associated with perinatal depression. Analyzing data from over 86,500 women, the research found that those experiencing depression during or shortly after pregnancy are at a higher risk of death from natural and unnatural causes for up to 18 years post-diagnosis.

Women with perinatal depression have a doubled risk of mortality compared to those without, with the risk peaking in the month after diagnosis and persisting for up to 18 years. The risk was highest for the women diagnosed with postpartum depression. Women with antepartum depression also had an elevated mortality risk, albeit not as high.

On comparing the mortality risk among women with perinatal depression who had had psychiatric problems even before pregnancy with women who had not had such issues, the researchers found that it was the same for both groups.

The authors conclude that “even when accounting for familial factors, women with clinically diagnosed perinatal depression were associated with an increased risk of death, particularly during the first year after diagnosis and because of suicide. Women who are affected, their families, and health professionals should be aware of these severe health hazards after perinatal depression.”