DSM-5 and postnatal depression: what to know

Assessment considers low mood or loss of interest along with changes such as guilt, hopelessness, sleep or appetite disruption, low energy, poor concentration, or thoughts of death. A parent may feel detached from the baby, overwhelmed by ordinary care or unable to enjoy connection. Symptoms can occur after birth even when pregnancy felt emotionally well, and they are not a sign of weak character or poor parenting. [Low Mood After Birth](/symptoms/postnatal-low-mood/) can be a useful symptom starting point.

Tell a GP, midwife, obstetric clinician or mental-health professional what you have noticed, when it began and how it affects sleep, feeding, bonding and daily tasks. A trusted person can help with the baby, meals and appointments while you seek care. Treatment may include talking therapy, practical support, medication, or a combination chosen with attention to feeding and personal medical history. [Perinatal Mental Health Support](/treatments/medical-gynaecology/perinatal-mental-health-support/) explains the support pathway.

Seek urgent help now if you are thinking about harming yourself or the baby, cannot keep yourself safe, or are hearing or seeing things others do not. Severe confusion, extreme agitation, very little need for sleep or rapidly changing beliefs after birth can signal a psychiatric emergency. Contact local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department, and ask someone trusted to stay with you.

Could my symptoms meet criteria for postnatal depression, or could another condition be involved? What treatments fit my health and feeding plans? How quickly can follow-up happen, and what should my support person watch for?