Trends of postpartum depression research publications in India (2000–2023): A bibliometric overview

Background: Postpartum Depression (PPD) remains significantly underdiagnosed and untreated in India, affecting both postpartum mothers and their infants. It harms mothers, infants, and their families.Aim and Objectives: This study performs a bibliometric analysis of postpartum depression research in India from its status quo.Materials and Methods: Research articles on postpartum depressionwere retrieved from Scopus and analysed using the software; Microsoft Office and Visualization of Similarities Viewer software from January 2000 to December 2023. The study assessed the annual publication trends, author clustering patterns, prominent journals, and leading publications.Results: Out of 6,430 research publications identified, 156 met the inclusion criteria. Notably, 91 research publications emerged after 2020, contrasting with 64 articles published between 2000 and 2020. The findings indicate a positive trajectory in PPD research in recent years, emphasizing the need for further exploration into maternal mental health and healthcare systems.Conclusion: The study underscores an increasing focus on PPD research in India, revealing a notable gap in explicit policies to address its prevalence. Collaborative efforts and funding initiatives from academic institutions and research organizations play a crucial role in raising awareness and addressing the concealed burden of PPD within the community.