Detection of Postnatal Depression

TLDR

Postnatal depression screening tools, like the EPDS, are employed for secondary prevention in community settings. The study describes the development of a 10‑item EPDS self‑report scale for community screening of postnatal depression. A validation study of 84 mothers used the Research Diagnostic Criteria from Goldberg's Standardised Psychiatric Interview to assess the EPDS. The EPDS showed satisfactory sensitivity and specificity, was sensitive to changes in depression severity over time, and can be completed in about five minutes with a simple scoring method.

Abstract

The development of a 10-item self-report scale (EPDS) to screen for Postnatal Depression in the community is described. After extensive pilot interviews a validation study was carried out on 84 mothers using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for depressive illness obtained from Goldberg's Standardised Psychiatric Interview. The EPDS was found to have satisfactory sensitivity and specficity, and was also sensitive to change in the severity of depression over time. The scale can be completed in about 5 minutes and has a simple method of scoring. The use of the EPDS in the secondary prevention of Postnatal Depression is discussed.