This study identifies three main types of postpartum depression (PPD) that are most commonly seen.

The most common is known as the “postpartum blues,” and is the shortest-lasting of the three. It occurs in 50% of people who give birth, with high emotional vulnerability and irritability, peaking within the first week post-natal, and ending after a few weeks. The study claims that is no association between an individual having a history of mental health disorders or strong environmental stressors and this form of PPD.

Postpartum non-psychotic depression is another common form of PPD. This occurs in 10-20% of people who given birth, within the first 6 months postpartum. Unlike the blues, this form of PPD is associated with individuals who have a history of major depressive disorder, PMDD, and psychosocial stress. Patients diagnosed with this disorder tend to have strong feelings of inadequacy as a parent, sleep and appetite disturbances, and general low mood; they also tend to have obsessive ego-dystonic thoughts about harming themselves or their infants, but don’t act on them.

Postpartum psychotic depression is the last common form of PPD that this study focuses on. Mostly seen in a similar way to high-functioning depression, this disorder is characterized by an individual who is seemingly able to “trick” others into believing that they’re not suffering, yet might be facing delusions, hallucinations, or both. Unlike the non-psychotic form, individuals with this form of PPD are more likely to act on their ego-dystonic thoughts. Those with pre-existing psychiatric disorders, medical conditions, and substance use problems may be more likely to have this form of PPD.