Which syndrome is often described as 'baby blues'?

The term 'baby blues' specifically refers to a mild form of mood disturbance that many women experience after giving birth. This condition typically includes feelings of sadness, anxiety, and a sense of being overwhelmed, but it is generally short-lived and doesn't require medical intervention. In contrast, postpartum depression syndrome is a more severe and long-lasting condition affecting a smaller percentage of new mothers, characterized by intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in the baby, among other symptoms.

While postpartum depression can be considered a chronic form of 'baby blues,' the latter specifically describes the shorter emotional fluctuations that can occur in the days to weeks following childbirth. Understanding this distinction helps highlight why 'baby blues' aligns specifically with symptoms commonly experienced right after delivery, rather than the prolonged and severe symptoms associated with postpartum depression syndrome or the unrelated aspects of seasonal affective disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and schizophrenia.