Untangling the knot of Postpartum Depression: What do we know and what is yet to be discovered?

There is an enormous research data concerning the postpartum depression (PPD) etiology, symptomatology and treatment, however, the known prevalence among the women suffering with depressive symptomatology after the childbirth is still high (6.5% to 20% of the new mothers). Furthermore, it is estimated that 50 % of the cases are not even detected, leaving a great percentage of women in their most vulnerable times without treatment. Having in mind these high numbers, along with the known catastrophic consequences that PPD may have on both mother and her child, one cannot ask himself: what are we missing? This literature review aims to critically discuss the many faces of PPD, the neurological and hormonal research progress throughout the years as well as the challenges and certain limitations of the research regarding the PPDs problematics. Implications for future studies will be made which will possibly fill the gaps in the existing knowledge about PPD and its’ complicated nature.