Signs and symptoms of the postpartum blues (“baby blues”) and postpartum depression (PPD) are often similar to those experienced with other kinds of depression. They vary among patients, but may include:

• Anger
• Uncontrollable crying
• Feelings of worthlessness, inadequacy, failure or guilt
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Sadness
• Apathy
• Excessive tiredness or fatigue
• Mood swings
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Obsessive thoughts about harming herself or the baby
• Insomnia or sleeping too much
• Poor concentration
• Loss of interest or motivation to perform normal activities

The signs and symptoms of the postpartum blues are usually milder and disappear on their own. Patients experiencing PPD typically experience more severe symptoms that typically last up to 12 months. PPD patients may also experience the following:

• A sense of emotional numbness
• Fear of harming oneself or the baby
• Loss of interest in living
• Loss of interest in sex
• Significant weight loss or gain
• Withdrawal from family and friends

Patients with PPD may experience headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations, numbness or hyperventilation, although they are not symptoms unique to depression.

Patients with postpartum psychosis may experience any of the above symptoms accompanied by more severe symptoms, such as:

• Confusion and disorientation
• Thoughts of harming oneself or the baby
• Hallucinations or delusions
• Paranoia