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Medication of Postpartum Depression and Maternal Outcomes: Evidence from Geographic Variation in Dutch Prescribing

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  • Janet Currie
  • Esmée Zwiers

Abstract

We use data on more than 420,000 first-time Dutch mothers to examine the effects of postpartum antidepressant use. Dutch general practitioners must be available for house calls. We therefore instrument a woman’s receipt of antidepressants postpartum with local practitioners’ propensity to prescribe antidepressants to women 46–65. Ordinary least squares suggests negative effects of postpartum antidepressants, but this is due to selection into treatment. Instrumental variables estimates indicate that the marginal treated patient is likely to continue taking antidepressants long term and is less likely to be employed in the year after birth, with little evidence of other effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Janet Currie & Esmée Zwiers, 2025. "Medication of Postpartum Depression and Maternal Outcomes: Evidence from Geographic Variation in Dutch Prescribing," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 60(4), pages 1093-1125.
    • Handle: RePEc:uwp:jhriss:v:60:y:2025:i:4:p:1093-1125
    Note: DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/jhr.1021-11986R1
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    File URL: http://jhr.uwpress.org/cgi/reprint/60/4/1093
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    JEL classification:

    • I1 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health
    • J19 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Other

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