Petzoldt J - This systematic review was performed to examine the specific role of maternal depression and anxiety considering them as preceding, concurrent and subsequent conditions of excessive infant crying (EC). While anxiety was rather a temporally preceding condition and thus a potential risk factor or risk marker for both subsequent EC and associated maternal depression, maternal depression was more likely a correlate or even a consequence of EC. Interventions for EC needed to address concurrent maternal depression, whilst preventive approaches could target preceding maternal anxiety as early as prior to or during pregnancy.