Postpartum depression (PPD) is a disabling condition that has recently shown an increase in prevalence, becoming an essential public health problem. This study is a qualitative review summarizing the most frequent risk factors associated with PPD, evaluating molecular aspects of PPD and current approaches to detect and prevent PPD. The most prevalent risk factors were detected in the areas of economic and social factors, obstetrical history, lifestyle, and history of mental illness. Research on the genetic basis for PPD has taken place in recent years to identify the genes responsible for establishing targeted therapeutic methods and understanding its pathogenesis. The most frequently studied candidate gene was the serotonin transporter gene (SERT) associated with PPD. Among biological studies, antidepressants and psychological interventions provided the most evidence of successful intervention. The obstetrician can serve an essential role in screening for and treating PPD. Postpartum women with risk factors should be screened using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), but, at the moment, there are no prevention programs in Europe. In conclusion, data from this review increase concerns among this vulnerable population and can be used to design a screening tool for high-risk pregnant women and create a prevention program.

Background and Objectives: Mental health disorders, including major depressive disorder and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood, present a significant global burden, with early onset and progression leading to substantial individual and social impacts. While pharmacotherapy remains the standard treatment, many patients experience inadequate symptom relief or intolerable side effects. In this context, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a non-invasive, well-tolerated neuromodulation technique offering an alternative treatment option. Although its clinical efficacy is well-documented, limited research exists on patient perceptions, decision-making processes and barriers to TMS utilization in private healthcare settings, particularly in Romania. This study explores patients’ experiences with TMS, factors influencing their treatment choices and comparative views on its acceptability relative to pharmacological interventions. Materials and Methods: A qualitative research design was employed, using semi-structured interviews with 20 patients diagnosed with MDD or AD who had undergone TMS therapy as part of two pilot studies which were non-randomized in Romanian private practices. Data were collected via interviews and analyzed thematically to identify patterns in patient perceptions, decision-making factors and treatment experiences. Results: Participants reported predominantly positive perceptions of TMS, citing improvements in mood, anxiety reduction, and enhanced daily functioning. The most common motivations for seeking TMS included dissatisfaction with pharmacotherapy, recommendations from physicians or peers and information obtained via online sources. TMS was perceived as a safer and more tolerable alternative to medication, particularly due to its lack of systemic side effects. However, barriers such as high treatment costs, limited insurance coverage and logistical challenges in accessing TMS services were noted as significant deterrents. Conclusions: The study highlights the strong preference for TMS among patients who seek alternatives to pharmacotherapy, with key motivators including efficacy, tolerability and non-invasiveness. However, systemic barriers to access remain a critical challenge in private healthcare settings. Future research should focus on expanding accessibility, improving patient education and integrating TMS into broader mental healthcare frameworks to optimize treatment outcomes.

Background: Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy (HDP) pose a significant health risk to both mothers and infants. Despite extensive research, the precise pathophysiology of preeclampsia remains elusive, posing a formidable challenge to clinicians and researchers alike. This systematic review aims to summarize recent advances in understanding PE pathophysiology with particular emphasis on molecular mechanisms involved, as well as the roles and effects of genetics and hormones in PE. Methods: The literature was searched to identify clinical research investigating the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of PE, along with the genetic, hormonal, and pathophysiological changes. All studies were solicited from the databases PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect according to the PRISMA 2020 workflow. The eligibility criteria were developed using the PECO (Population, Exposure, Comparator, Outcome) framework. Results: The most common molecular mechanisms found were: angiogenetic dysregulation and endothelial injury mechanism (n = 17), oxidative/redox imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction mechanisms (n = 14), immune, inflammatory, and complement mechanisms (n = 13), trophoblast invasion, differentiation, and placental remodeling mechanism (n = 13), epigenetic and non-coding RNA regulation mechanisms (n = 9). Most of the included articles demonstrate more than one molecular mechanism, and the total number for each mechanism reflects the extent to which it is demonstrated in the studies. Conclusion: The complex development of hypertensive pregnancy disorders reflects numerous molecular mechanisms implicated in this process. From genetic and environmental influences on placental dysfunction to epigenetic changes and systemic dysregulation, each mechanism contributes to health outcomes for both the mother and the child.