The major hypotheses regarding causes for PPD are mostly focused on hormonal involvement during both pregnancy and postpartum, primarily the major drop in progesterone and estrogen after giving birth, alongside the involvement of the oxytocin hormone in attachment between parent and child.

There seem to be cultural differences in rates of PPD — cultures which provide high amounts of social support to those who have just given birth are seen to have lower rates of PPD. This is especially true if their cultural traditions involve helping with childcare and providing particular rituals to the healing parent.

Untreated PPD can lead to long-term mental and emotional wellness struggles for the birthing parent, their partner, and the child.

A combination of pharmacologic and psychosocial treatments are ideal for PPD, but more intense cases (such as psychotic PPD) might call for more intense — and faster-acting, treatments — such as electroconvulsive therapy.