OBJECTIVES: Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common complications during and after pregnancy. This descriptive survey study examined the experiences and burdens of PPD from the perspective of women who have this condition.

METHODS: A convenience sample of members of the PatientsLikeMe platform with PPD symptoms completed a closed, cross-sectional survey about their experiences, including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Health-Related Productivity Questionnaire (HRPQ).

RESULTS: Of the 1,231 women invited to participate, 142 (11.5%) completed the survey. Most subjects indicated they were diagnosed with PPD by obstetrician-gynecologists or general practitioners and reported difficulty discussing the condition with their clinician. Participants reported a mean EPDS score of 19.9 (4.8), and 65% (92/142) had EPDS scores at the time of survey indicating severe depression (≥19). Antidepressants were prescribed to 82% (116/142) of the women. Symptom improvement took 1 month or longer in 71% (58/82) of the participants; 32% (36/111) of the respondents were unsatisfied with the time to symptom improvement, and 11% (13/116) stopped taking medications on their own. Over 60% (89/142) of participants had thoughts of self-harm within 7 days prior to the survey. Finally, 76% (108/142) participants reported missing planned household chores in the previous week.

CONCLUSIONS: In this descriptive survey study, 32% of the respondents who received antidepressants were unsatisfied with the length of time the medication took to improve symptoms, suggesting the need for new treatment options. Despite high rates of pharmacotherapy exposure in this population, self-harm ideation and productivity loss were observed, indicating high disease burden and unmet needs.