Signs and Symptoms
Baby blues, a term used by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), affects up to 80% of mothers, includes feelings that are somewhat mild, last a week or two, and go away on their own. However, a woman with PMADs might experience extreme feelings of sadness and anxiety which might interfere with her ability to care for herself or her family. PMADs include postpartum depression (PPD), anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and postpartum psychosis. It is important to know when your experience is more than the “baby blues” and requires further assessment and treatment. Learn about signs and symptoms below.