Detecting Women at Risk for Postnatal Depression Using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at 2 to 3 Days Postpartum

Abstract

Objective:

This study evaluates the capacity of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) implemented in the first days postpartum to detect women who will suffer from postnatal depression.

Method:

A sample of 1154 women completed the EPDS at 2 to 3 days postpartum and again at 4 to 6 weeks postpartum.

Results:

There was a highly significant positive correlation between EPDS scores on both occasions (Spearman rank correlation: r = 0.59, P < 0.0001). The cut-off scores of 10 and 11 for EPDS administered at 2 to 3 days obtained good specificity, sensitivity, and positive predictive values for the cut-off scores proposed for the diagnosis of postnatal depression at 4 to 6 weeks postpartum.

Conclusion:

The EPDS completed at 2 to 3 days postpartum is a useful means of detecting women at risk of postnatal depression.