An identified area of needed research was to further study the course of depression. Whether there are differential and distinguishable risks, prognoses, symptoms, and treatment outcomes associated with MDD, minor depression, and PDD is unclear and needs to be further studied. The current research standard is to use a structured interview to diagnose MDD, however, many self-report measures of depressive symptoms are also used. Issues involving the assessment of cost-effectiveness of universal screenings and treatments were discussed with a recommendation for the inclusion of an economist in the early stages of research efforts. Although there is more known about the use of antidepressants in pregnant and postpartum women than other medications prescribed during this period, the data are still limited and there are few randomized controlled trials.
Safety has to be considered in the context of the risks related to the illness.
While it is known that the child is exposed to antidepressants prenatally and through breastfeeding, there is limited information about the effects of antidepressant exposure on the children's outcomes. Similarly, little is known about the effects of maternal depression on fetal development. The current evidence base for psychosocial interventions includes a number of efficacy trials conducted in the U.S, as well as a number of effectiveness studies being conducted in other countries. Within the U.S., there are positive outcomes for Interpersonal psychotherapy in the treatment of depression in women antenatally and postpartum. A relational, family-based approach to the treatment of maternal depression is likely an important complement to individual treatment with the mother.