A lifespan perspective on depression in the postpartum period in a racially and socioeconomically diverse sample of young mothers.

Background: Consistent evidence from retrospective reports and case registry studies indicates that a history of depression is a major risk factor for depression in the peripartum period. However, longitudinal studies with racially and socioeconomically diverse samples of young mothers are lacking, and little is known about developmental patterns of depression across the lifespan that can inform preventive interventions.

Methods: Young primiparous mothers ( = 399, 13-25 years, 81% Black) were recruited from a population-based prospective study that began in childhood.