Journal Article

Exploring Heterogeneity in perinatal depression: a comprehensive review

Nadeem, Mahnoor, Waqas, Ahmed, Rahman, Atif

2023

Overview

Perinatal depression (PND) is a significant contributor to maternal morbidity globally. Recognized as a major cause of poor infant development, epidemiological and interventional research on it has increased over the last decade. Recently, studies have pointed out that PND is a heterogeneous condition, with variability in its phenotypes, rather than a homogenous latent entity and a concrete diagnosis, as previously conceptualized in psychometric literature and diagnostic systems. Therefore, it is pertinent that researchers recognize this to progress in elucidating its aetiology and developing efficacious interventions. This systematic review is conducted in accordance with the Meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology (MOOSE). It aims to provide an updated and comprehensive account of research on heterogeneity in phenotypes of PND and its implications in research, public health, and clinical practice. It provides a synthesis and quality assessment of studies reporting heterogeneity in PND using cutting-edge statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms. After reporting the phenotypes of PND, based on heterogeneous trajectories and symptom profiles, it also elucidates the risk factors associated with severe forms of PND, followed by robust evidence for adverse child outcomes. Furthermore, recommendations are made to improve public health and clinical practice in screening, diagnosis, and treatment of PND.

• Publisher: BioMed Central,BioMed Central Ltd,Springer Nature B.V,BMC
• Subject: Analysis / Child & adolescent mental health / Childrens health / Complications and side effects / Consortia / Depression, Mental / Diagnosis / Epidemiology / Health aspects / Heterogeneity / Infants / Machine learning / Maternal & child health / Medicine / Medicine & Public Health / Mental depression / Meta-analysis / Morbidity / Mothers / Patient outcomes / Perinatal depression / Phenotypes / Postnatal depression / Postpartum depression / Pregnant women / Prenatal depression / Psychiatry / Psychological aspects / Psychotherapy / Public health / Quality control / Quantitative psychology / Risk factors / Statistical analysis / Systematic review / Trajectories / Womens health