Psychosocial risk factors for depression and anxiety in European postpartum women: A scoping review

Introduction:
Postpartum depression (PPD) is common maternal mental health disorder, while postpartum anxiety (PPA) has recently increased. Comprehensive reviews on PPA psychosocial risk factors in Europe remain limited. This scoping review examines shared and distinct psychosocial risk factors for PPD and PPA among European postpartum women.

Methods:
The review followed PRISMA guidelines, and Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping framework. ProQuest, Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, Sage Journals were searched on 24 October 2025. Eligibility criteria were defined a priori using the Population–Concept– Context framework, and study selection was conducted using the Rayyan platform. Study quality was assessed using Mixed-Methods Appraisal, AMSTAR-2 tools, with relevance ensured through inclusion criteria and reviewer triangulation. An inductive, reflexive thematic analysis was applied to synthesize the identified factors.

Results:
Following screening of 1219 records, 30 studies published between 2019 and 2024 were included. Of these, 21 examined PPD, three focused on PPA, and six addressed both conditions. Shared psychosocial risk factors included problematic partner relationships (n=13), insufficient support (n=9), and stressful life events (n=7). Risk factors more commonly associated with PPD were older maternal age (n=3), difficulties in emotion recognition (n=2), and isolation or loneliness (n=2). PPA-specific risk factors included lack of information and unpreparedness (n=2), unrealistic expectations (n=1), and internal or external stigma (n=1).

Conclusions:
Key psychosocial risk factors for PPD and PPA in Europe include problematic partner relationships, low support, stressful life events. Early identification and targeted interventions are crucial.