"Pregnancy-Related Depression Linked to Higher Long-Term Suicide Risk for Women"
Two international studies found that women with depression during pregnancy or in the perinatal period after are at greater risk of suicide, with the risk remaining higher through an 18-year follow-up period. The risk of suicidal behavior was three times greater for women with perinatal depression, and even higher for those without a history of psychiatric disorders. Vigilant clinical monitoring and interventions are needed to prevent such devastating events for this vulnerable population. The risk of death also increased for postpartum depression, particularly within the first year, with suicide being rare but the strongest association with death. Perinatal depression increases the risk of suicidal behavior and death regardless of other mental health problems, affecting about 9% of pregnancies and emphasizing the importance of treatment.