Postpartum depression (PPD)

Reviewed by Shariq Refai, MD, MBA·Updated March 15, 2026·About 3 minutes

Canonical definition at Shrinktionary. This entry adds the depression-specific angle.

Sources

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 757: Screening for Perinatal Depression. 2018.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Perinatal Depression: Preventive Interventions. JAMA. 2019.
American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5-TR.
Meltzer-Brody S, et al. Brexanolone injection in postpartum depression: two multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trials. Lancet. 2018.

Primary source: NIMH: Perinatal depression.

Frequently asked questions

How is postpartum depression different from the baby blues?

The baby blues are a short period of tearfulness, mood swings, and worry in the first two weeks after birth that resolves on its own. Postpartum depression lasts longer, is more severe, and interferes with caring for the baby or oneself. Symptoms beyond two weeks deserve clinical attention.

How long after birth can postpartum depression begin?

The DSM-5-TR peripartum specifier covers episodes that begin during pregnancy or within four weeks of delivery. In practice, ACOG and most clinicians screen and treat depressive episodes through the first postpartum year.

Can I take antidepressants while breastfeeding?

Several antidepressants, including sertraline and paroxetine, are considered compatible with breastfeeding and have the most reassuring data. The decision is individual and is made with a clinician who knows the full picture, including the medication, the dose, the infant's age, and the mother's history.

What are brexanolone and zuranolone?

Brexanolone (a 60-hour intravenous infusion) and zuranolone (a 14-day oral course) are newer medications studied specifically in postpartum depression. Both target a different brain receptor system than standard antidepressants. They're options to discuss with a psychiatrist, especially when faster onset is needed.

When is postpartum depression an emergency?

Any thoughts of harming the baby or harming oneself are a reason to call 988 or to go to the nearest emergency department. Postpartum psychosis, which involves confusion, hallucinations, or delusions, is a separate condition and is always a psychiatric emergency.

See where this fits in the Depression Hub on Shrinkopedia →

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Last reviewed March 15, 2026.

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