Figure 1 describes the flow diagram of the various search strategies to achieve the final sample of CPGs included in the study. Across the 48 countries examined, thwe researchers were unable to identify a contact person or did not receive a response in 22 (45.8%) of the countries. The researchers receWe received a response or identified a CPG in the literature search for 26 countries in Europe, of which 10 (38.5%) (i.e., Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Iceland, Portugal, Turkey, and Bosnia and Herzegovina) did not have a national CPG for intervention strategies of peripartum depression or mental health, either specific or broader for the adult population, with mention of the peripartum population. In Ireland, the researchers cwe could only retrieve an information leaflet on peripartum depression for women, which is not classified as a CPG. In Ukraine (personal communication), the criteria for treatment of peripartum depression were reported to be in place, which included pharmacotherapy interventions with amitriptyline, phenazepam, relanium, frenolone, and with vitamins (e.g., ascorbic acid). However, no further information was obtained. Belgium and Sweden used protocols or guidelines for screening and treatment of peripartum depression based on international guidelines (NICE). However, pharmacotherapy interventions are not mentioned ^[15][16][15,16]. Of the searches in PubMed and the GIN database, thwe researchers scrscreened three CPGs from Spain, Poland, and the UK, which were duplicates of the ones obtained via the contact persons in these countries. The researchers We included and fully evaluated 12 CPGs. In the CPG from Latvia, recommendations on pharmacological interventions were only provided for the postpartum period.

Figure 1. Flow chart of the hrevierew process for the clinical practice guideline synthesis. Abbreviations: CPG = clinical practice guideline; GIN = Guidelines International Network. * No response or identification in Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland.

3.2. Pharmacological Interventions for Treatment of Antenatal Depression

Table 1 shows that most CPGs advise initiation of antidepressants in women with new onset or moderate-to-severe antenatal depression. This treatment should be undertaken after an individualized risk–benefit evaluation and following non-response to psychotherapy. In contrast, the CPG in Poland discourages the use of antidepressants in the first trimester and states that this medication should be discontinued before delivery. All the CPGs seem unanimous in recommending or mentioning the possibility to continue antidepressants in pregnancy for preexisting moderate-to-severe depression (Table 1). In the UK CPG, monotherapy (if possible) and the lowest effective dose are advised in the context of both initiation and continuation of the antidepressant. On the basis of filled prescription and drug utilization data, there was a decrease in the prevalence of antidepressant use from preconception (range: 1.6–9.6%) into pregnancy (range: 0.3–4.1%), with SSRI being the most commonly prescribed group in most countries (Table 1). For many countries in Eastern Europe, no such utilization data were available.

Table 1. Overview of recommendations in the CPGs about antidepressant treatment in women with antenatal depression, with prevalence estimates of antidepressant and other psychotropic medication use in the country.

Country, Publication Year, Type	New Depression, Initiate AD	Preexisting Depression, Continue AD	AD Dose Adjustment and Monitoring	Switching AD	Preferred or Not Preferred AD	AD Use before vs during Pregnancy (%)	Most Common ADs Used during Pregnancy	Treatment of Co-Morbid Anxiety	Other Psychotropics during Pregnancy (%)
Denmark [17] PMH-S

There is general agreement between the CPGs in evaluating individual drug response in the period prior to pregnancy in the decision making about antidepressant continuation during pregnancy. The CPGs provide less uniform guidance regarding switching antidepressants during pregnancy (Table 1). In the CPGs of Malta and Norway, switching is discouraged unless the drug is ineffective. The CPG in the Netherlands considers switching from paroxetine to a preferred antidepressant but before pregnancy. Multiple CPGs (Finland, Germany, Italy, and Serbia) do not provide guidance on switching. Likewise, information on antidepressant level monitoring in serum or plasma and on dosage adjustment is missing for the CPGs in Italy and Denmark.

Multiple CPGs mention sertraline and citalopram as preferred antidepressants in pregnancy, whereas others (i.e., Finland, Serbia, and Spain) list the class of SSRIs. Paroxetine was mentioned as not a preferred antidepressant in most CPGs, except for Serbia, the UK, and Norway. In the two latter countries, the CPGs advise basing the choice of the antidepressant on maternal prior response and its safety profile. Generally, the antidepressants recommended in the CPGs were also the ones most often used in gestation, except in Denmark (for fluoxetine), the Netherlands and Spain (for paroxetine), and Germany (for amitriptyline). Paroxetine ranked among the most commonly used antidepressants in pregnancy in specific countries (i.e., Italy, the Netherlands, or Spain).

2.3. Pharmacological Interventions for Treatment of Postpartum Depression

Table 2 summarizes the content and recommendations of the CPGs for the postpartum period. Most CPGs (n = 11) recommend initiation or continuation of antidepressant medications in women suffering from depression in the postpartum period. Nearly all CPGs suggest an individual risk–benefit evaluation of the antidepressant treatment in the case of breastfeeding. Recommendations about breastfeeding compatibility with maternal antidepressant use were not specified in three GPGs (Spain, Serbia, and Norway). The CPGs in the Netherlands, Italy, and Finland state that antidepressant use does not prevent breastfeeding, whereas the UK and Denmark advise closely monitoring the exposed breastfed infant for potential adverse effects, such as weight gain. The Maltese CPG advises that only healthy and full-term infants should be breastfed when mothers are taking antidepressants. The Polish CPG gives a detailed recommendation about the timing of antidepressant intake and breastfeeding (i.e., to take one daily dose before the longest sleep of the child and breastfeed directly before that). Recommendations about switching antidepressants are either unspecified (n = 5) in the CPG or discouraged, especially if it affects the woman. The prevalence estimates of antidepressant use postpartum were greater than in the antenatal period and generally returned to the magnitude seen pre-pregnancy. For most of the countries included in this work, no antidepressant utilization data postpartum are available.

Table 2. Overview of recommendations in the CPGs about antidepressant treatment in women with postnatal depression, with prevalence estimates of antidepressants and other psychotropic medication use in the country.

Country, Publication Year, Type	Depression, Initiate or Continue AD	AD Intake by Time of BF	Switching AD	Preferred or Not Preferred AD	AD Use Postpartum (%)	Most Common ADs Postpartum	Treatment Co-Morbid Anxiety	Other Psychotropic Postpartum (%)
Denmark [17	Yes, if severe and no response to psychotherapy	] PMH-SYes	NS	Yes, if effective for woman’s depression	NS	No, but weight gain in infant should be monitored. Formula can be considered.	No, if the AD is effective and was taken in pregnancy	Sertraline, paroxetine / Fluoxetine, (es)citalopram, fluvoxamine, venlafaxineSertraline, citalopram / Paroxetine, fluoxetine	4.1 [29]	2.0 vs. 1.9–4.1 [18][19]	2.0 vs. 1.9–4.1 [18,19]	Citalopram, sertraline, fluoxetine [19]	NS	BZD: 0.6 [20] AP: 0.4 [21	NA	NS	BZD: 1.3 [20] AP: NA Quetiapine: NA] Quetiapine: 0.2 [21]
Finland [22] N-PPD	NS	Yes, in moderate-to-severe cases Psychotherapy first line
Finland [22	Monitoring of response is important	] N-PPD	NS	As for non-pregnant adults, psychotherapy is recommended for mild symptoms	No, use of SSRI does not prevent BF	NS	SSRIs / FluoxetineSSRIs / Paroxetine, fluoxetine, tricyclics	1.6–4.0 [23] vs. 3.6* [24]	NA	NS	BZD: 1.2* [25] AP: 0.8 [21] Quetiapine: 0.9	NA[21]
NA	NS	BZD: 0.7–3.2 [	47	]		AP: NA		Quetiapine: NA	Germany [26] N-PPD	Yes, after individual risk benefit evaluation, individual disease history, preference and availability of alternative treatments	Yes, in moderate-to-severe cases. Abrupt discontinuation is discouraged. Psychotherapy first line	Monotherapy if possible, lowest effective dose Continuous measurement of plasma levels	NS	Sertraline, citalopram / Paroxetine, fluoxetine	4.0 [27] vs. 0.4 (unpublished data)	Amitriptyline, (es)citalopram, sertraline (unpublished data)	NS	BZD: 3.3 [25] AP: 0.3 [
Germany [26] N-PPD	21	Yes, after risk–benefit analysis for mother and child and individual disease history, preference, and availability of alternative treatments	Yes, after risk–benefit analysis for mother and child	NS	SSRIs, tricyclics / NS	NA	NA	NS	BZD: NA AP: NA ] Quetiapine: 0.2 [21]
Quetiapine: NA	Italy [28] PMH-S	Yes, after individual risk–benefit assessment
Italy [28	Yes, after individual risk–benefit assessment	] PMH-S	NS	NS	NS	Yes, after risk–benefit analysis for mother and child	No, use of SSRI does not prevent BF	NS	NS / Fluoxetine	2.5–3.4 [29]3.3–4.4 [29] vs. 1.2–1.6 [29]	Paroxetine, sertraline, citalopram [29]	Yes, BZD can be used	NA	Yes, short-term acting BZD	BZD: NA AP: NA BZD: 1.4 [30] AP: 0.8 [31] Quetiapine: NA SAH: 0.4* [24]
Quetiapine: NA	Malta [32] PMH-S	Yes, after individual risk–benefit assessment; drug choice based on lowest risk, monotherapy if possible and at the lowest effective dose	Yes, after individual risk-benefit assessment; drug choice based on lowest risk, monotherapy if possible and at the lowest effective dose; previous response is considered	NS	If possible, switch paroxetine to other SSRI	Sertraline ¥; Fluoxetine / Paroxetine	NA	Sertraline, fluoxetine (unpublished data)	BZD only short term for extreme anxiety or agitation; BZD should be avoided in late pregnancy	BZD: NA AP: NA Quetiapine: NA
Latvia [48] PMH-S	Yes, after risk–benefit analysis for mother and child in case of BF. For initiation of AD, start with lowest effective dose.	Assess whether dosage and regimen are compatible with BF	NS	SSRIs, sertraline / Fluoxetine	NA	NA	Yes, mirtazapine or atypical AP; quetiapine for augmentation therapy. Olanzapine only at low doses. BZD should be avoided.	BZD: NA AP: NA Quetiapine: NA	The Netherlands [33] PMH-S
Malta [32]	Yes, after individual risk–benefit assessment	Yes, if woman is stable with medication	Yes, lowest effective dose; paroxetine preferably not >20 mg/day	If possible, switch paroxetine to other SSRI but pre-pregnancy	Sertraline ¥ / Paroxetine ¥	3.9 vs. 2.1 [34]	PMH-SSertraline, paroxetine, citalopram [	Yes, after individual risk–benefit assessment; drug choice based on lowest risk, monotherapy if possible and at the lowest effective dose34	Yes, after individual risk–benefit assessment; drug choice based on lowest risk, monotherapy if possible, and at the lowest effective dose, previous response is considered	NS	Iimipramine, nortriptyline, sertraline / Citalopram, fluoxetine]	NS	BZD: 1.1 [25][35] AP: NA Quetiapine: NA	BZD: 1.1 [25,35] AP: NA	NA Quetiapine: NA
SSRIs e.g., sertraline, paroxetine (unpublished data)	Short-term BZD (caution in BF). Close monitoring of babies exposed to BZD via breastmilk. Diazepam should not be used while BF.	BZD: NA		AP: NA		Quetiapine: NA	Norway [36] PMH-S	Yes, if severe and with non-pharmacological therapy	Yes, after individual risk–benefit assessment. Psychotherapy first line. Abrupt discontinuation is discouraged.	Yes, serum concentration	No	Choice based on prior drug response and its safety profile
The Netherlands 33 PMH-S	Yes, continue SSRI after delivery	Yes, BF is recommended	No, no evidence for switching	Paroxetine, sertraline / Fluoxetine, citalopram	3.1 [34]	2.0 vs. 1.5 [37]	Paroxetine, citalopram,(Es)citalopram, sertraline, venlafaxine [19]	NS	sertraline [34]	NS	BZD: NA AP: NA Quetiapine: NABZD: 0.9 [38] AP: 1.2 [21] Quetiapine: 0.3 [21] SAH: 1.0 [24] *
Poland [39] PMH-S	Individual risk–benefit assessment to be made. **AD in 1 trimester should be avoided, and AD should be discontinued before delivery	If severe depression or ongoing mild-to-moderate symptoms, AD should be considered. Gradual discontinuation if mild symptoms with psychotherapy. ** As for new depression.	Monotherapy, lowest effective dose	Yes, switching an AD which is effective and offers fewer adverse effects	NS / Paroxetine	- vs. 0.3 [24] *	NA	Yes, but do not offer BZD except for the short-term treatment of severe anxiety and agitation
Norway [36] PMH-S	BZD: 0.2–14.0	[	24	]	[	25	]	*	AP: NA Quetiapine: NA SAH: 0.4 [24] *	BZD: 0.2–14.0 [24,25] * AP: NA Quetiapine: NA SAH: 0.4 [24] *
Yes, if severe after individual risk–benefit assessment	NS	No	Sertraline, paroxetine	/ Doxepin, fluoxetine, citalopram	1.0 [37]	NA	NS	BZD: 0.8 [37] AP: 0.2 [37] Quetiapine: NA	Serbia [40] N-PPD	Yes, if severe after individual risk–benefit assessment	Yes, after individual risk–benefit assessment	Yes, serum concentration	NS	Fluoxetine,	[25
Poland [39] PMH-S	citalopram,		fluvoxamine,		paroxetine, sertraline / TCA	- vs. 0.3 [24] *	(Es)citalopram, sertraline, mirtazapine, duloxetine (unpublished data)	Yes,	Yes, initiate if severe and continue to prevent relapse. If history of severe depression or ongoing mild-to-moderate symptoms, AD should be considered.	Yes, AD in one daily dose before the child’s longest sleep, and BF is recommended just before AD intake	No, same treatment pattern should be used after delivery	]	Sertraline, citalopram / Fluoxetine BZD	BZD: 0.2–14.0 [24 *	NA	]	NA	NA	BZD: NA AP: NA Quetiapine: NA	AP: NA Quetiapine: NA SAH: 0.4 [24] *	BZD: 0.2–14.0 [24,25] * AP: NA Quetiapine: NA SAH: 0.4 [24] *
Spain [41] PMH-S
Serbia [	Yes, after individual risk–benefit assessment	40] N-PPDYes, after individual risk–benefit assessment and based on individual drug response	Monotherapy if possible, lowest effective dose; continuous measurement of plasma levels due to fluctuations in pregnancy is recommended	Yes, if lower risk to child and effective in mothers	SSRIs	Yes, if severe after individual risk–benefit assessment / Paroxetine, tricyclics, fluoxetine	- vs. 0.5–0.8 [	NS	42	No	]	Fluoxetine	[43]	- vs. 0.5–0.8 [42	NA,43]	Paroxetine, citalopram, fluoxetine44	Yes, but for acute symptoms for maximum 4 weeks	BZD: 1.9 [42] AP: 0.1 [43] Quetiapine: NA
Paroxetine		(data unpublished)	NS	BZD: NA		AP: NA		Quetiapine: NA	United Kingdom [44][45] PMH-S	United Kingdom [44,45] PMH-S	Yes, particularly for moderate-to-severe depression, after discussing with the woman the risk–benefit assessment of AD; drug choice based on lowest risk, monotherapy if possible and at the lowest effective dose	Yes, particularly for moderate-to-severe depression, after discussing with the woman the risk–benefit assessment of AD; monotherapy if possible and at the lowest effective dose	Yes, dosages may need to be adjusted in pregnancy
Spain [	Option to be discussed with the woman but aim is to expose fetus to as few drugs as possible	41] PMH-S	Yes, if severe after individual risk–benefit assessment	NS	NS	Nortriptyline, sertraline, paroxetine / Citalopram, fluoxetineUnspecified, choice based on prior drug response and its safety profile	8.8–9.6 vs. 3.7 [29]	Fluoxetine, citalopram [29]	Yes, with ADs. Do not offer BZD except for the short-term treatment of severe anxiety and agitation.	NA	NA	NS	BZD: NA AP: NA Quetiapine: NA	BZD: 1.2 * [25] AP: 0.3–4.6 [21][46] Quetiapine: 0.4 [21]	BZD: 1.2 * [25] AP: 0.3–4.6 [21,46] Quetiapine: 0.4 [21]

United Kingdom
[
44
]
[
45
]
PMH-S
United Kingdom
[44,45] PMH-S	Yes, particularly for moderate-to-severe depression after discussing with the woman of the risk–benefit assessment of AD; drug choice based on lowest risk, monotherapy if possible and at the lowest effective dose.	Consider risks and benefits of BF, which should generally be encouraged, but monitor baby for any adverse effects.	Option to be discussed with the woman, but aim is to expose the breastfed infant to as few drugs as possible.	Unspecified, choice based on prior drug response and its safety profile in breastfeeding.	5.5–12.9 [29][46]	5.5–12.9 [29,46]	SSRI [49]	Yes, but do not offer BZD except for the short-term treatment of severe anxiety. BZD best avoided in BF if possible; use drug with shortest half-life.	BZD: NA AP: 0.4 [46] Quetiapine: NA

The specific substances recommended and not recommended vary considerably between the CPGs, but taken together, sertraline (8/12 CPGs) and paroxetine (5/12 CPGs) are the ones most commonly preferred, while fluoxetine is not preferred in most CPGs (8/12 CPGs) due to its very long half-life with the risk of accumulation in the infant. Paroxetine, citalopram, sertraline, or SSRI in general are also the antidepressants most commonly taken by women postpartum. Fluoxetine does not rank high in drug utilization studies in the postpartum period.

2.4. Pharmacological Interventions for Antenatal or Postpartum Comorbid Anxiety and Use of Other Psychotropics

Treatment recommendations for comorbid anxiety are largely missing for both the antenatal and the postpartum period (Table 1 and Table 2). Only seven GPGs state that benzodiazepines can be offered in the case of severe anxiety during pregnancy but only for short-term treatment. In Malta, benzodiazepines are recommended only as needed, and the treatment of choice is augmentation with quetiapine, both during pregnancy and postpartum. During the latter period, sedative antihistamines represent a treatment option. In the UK, it is advised to treat comorbid anxiety with antidepressants during pregnancy or short-term benzodiazepines, and the latter medication is discouraged at postpartum in case of breastfeeding. The CPG in Latvia recommends treatment of comorbid anxiety postpartum with mirtazapine or atypical antipsychotics, including olanzapine at a low dose, while benzodiazepines should be avoided.

Prenatal use data for benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, and quetiapine specifically are lacking for some countries, and for sedative antihistamines, data are very sparse. During pregnancy, benzodiazepines are often used to a larger extent than antidepressants in specific countries (i.e., Germany, Poland, Serbia, and Spain), while in Norway, the use of benzodiazepine and sedative antihistamines is comparable (about 1%). With regard to the use of other psychotropic medication (as an add-on) in the postpartum period, utilization data are largely unavailable, as only the Nordic countries and the UK report postpartum use of benzodiazepines and antipsychotics in the ranges of 0.8–3.2% and 0.2–0.4%, respectively.