Table 2.

The D-MER spectrum of symptoms and associated intensities

Symptoms	1 Depression wistfulness, homesickness, apprehension, hopelessness, hollowness in stomach	2 Anxiety anxiety, dread, panic, irritability	3 Anger tension, agitation, paranoia
Intensity of symptoms
Mild usually self-corrects within first 3 months, most mothers do not seek treatment	X
Moderate often self-corrects between 6 and 12 months, mothers may seek management options	X	X
Severe may not correct fully until weaning, may include transient suicidal ideation, prescription treatment may be only effective option, mothers likely to stop breastfeeding	X	X	X