Postpartum Adjustment Disorder

Written By Hayden Mcintee

Postpartum Adjustment Disorder

An adjustment disorder (as found in the DSM-5) develops in response to a stressful situation and can lead to emotional and behavioural struggles that can impact day-to- day life. It can be brought on by both positive and negative life events, including having a baby. The symptoms typically present within 3 months and resolve by 6 months once the individual readjusts or the stressor is rectified (APA, 2023)

During the postpartum period,  postpartum adjustment disorder (PAD) is when one experiences difficulty adjusting to postpartum, newborn care, and parenthood (Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings, 2025). PAD lasts longer than the expected baby blues but doesn’t quite meet the criteria for postpartum depression or other perinatal mood disorders. It tends to be less severe and shorter than postpartum depression (PPD), however PAD is real, distressing, and can seriously impact a parent's ability to cope (Carlson et al., 2025). If left untreated, PAD can develop into postpartum depression.

Baby Blues vs Postpartum Depression vs Postpartum Adjustment Disorder

Baby blues

The baby blues are a normal and common response and occurring 3-5 days after a mother gives birth. Some symptoms include: mood swings, tearfulness, sleep difficulties, feelings of stress,irritability, and anxiety. It impacts up to 80% of mothers and will typically get better in 1-2 weeks (BC Reproductive Mental Health, 2023)

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is clinical depression that occurs during the postpartum period and can present at any point within the first year after birth. Symptoms include: low mood, feelings of guilt/worthlessness, loss of interest in things that she would normally enjoy, withdrawal socially and emotionally, forgetfulness/difficulty concentrating, and negative thinking patterns (BC Reproductive Mental Health, 2023). It affects up to 17.9% of Canadian mothers and can benefit from support to work through it (Gheorghe et al., 2021)

Postpartum Adjustment Disorder

Postpartum Adjustment Disorder is directly tied to birth and occurs within the first 3 months of birth and resolves by 6 months. It’s more intense than baby blues, but doesn’t quite meet the criteria for postpartum depression. If left untreated, PAD can turn into depression.

Symptoms of Postpartum Adjustment Disorder

Sadness/low mood, irritability, anxiety, difficulty with emotional regulation, difficulty coping, feelings of overwhelm related to adapting to parenthood, struggles with day-to-day functioning, relationship challenges (Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings, 2025).

Risk Factors for PAD:

  • Previous mental health issues

  • Family history of Depression

  • Pregnancy/birth complications

  • Lack of social support

  • Life Stressors

  • Unplanned/unwanted pregnancies

  • Marital/Partner Dissatisfaction

  • Low SES

Management/Intervention:

  • Therapy- clinical counselling can be helpful for new parents to discuss their identity shifts, stressors, debrief and process their labour and delivery, and work through any other concerns they may have

  • Social Support- If it’s an option, accept help when it is offered or ask for help from loved ones. Additionally, support groups or mom and baby groups can provide a feeling of connection and community and reduce feelings of isolation

  • Lifestyle Shifts-
    -Prioritizing nutrition and rest when you can
    -If possible, light walking can help mental wellness
    -Taking time for yourself (yes, a hot shower counts)

When To Reach Out For Help

  • You are struggling with day-to-day functioning.

  • Your emotions/behaviours feel intense or are getting worse.

  • Your symptoms are not improving with coping strategies.

  • You think you could benefit from more support.

When is it an Emergency?

  • You are having thoughts about harming yourself or your baby.

  • You are hearing voices.

*if you think you need emergency support, please call a medical professional, 9-1-1, or go to the emergency room

Resources

  • British Columbia Crisis Line: 310-6789 (no area code needed)

  • BC Suicide Prevention: 1-800-SUICIDE

  • 988 - call or text across canada

  • Pacific Postpartum Society: call or text 604-255-7999

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787

BC Reproductive Mental Health. (2023). Baby blues & postpartum depression. Vancouver, BC.

Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Trainings. (2025, September). Foundations of perinatal mental health. Perinatal Mental Health Certificate Program. Ontario, Canada.

Carlson, K., Mughal, S., Azhar, Y., et al. (2025, January 22). Perinatal depression. In StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519070/

Gheorghe, M., Varin, M., Wong, S. L., Baker, M., Grywacheski, V., & Orpana, H. (2021). Symptoms of postpartum anxiety and depression among women in Canada: Findings from a national cross-sectional survey. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 112(2), 244–252. https://doi.org/10.17269/s41997-020-00420-4

Hayden Mcintee
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