Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale EPDS
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale EPDS overview
Creator and Context
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a concise, self-administered questionnaire developed specifically to identify women at risk for postpartum depression. This 10-item scale is a widely recognised tool for its effectiveness in screening for perinatal depression.
The EPDS was created to address the need for a reliable, easy-to-use screening tool for postpartum depression, recognizing the high prevalence and potential impact of this condition.
Presenting Conditions
Postpartum depression.
General depression symptoms in pregnant and postpartum women.
Indicators of mood disturbances during the perinatal period.
Administration
The EPDS is a self-report scale. Respondents are asked to answer 10 questions that relate to their feelings over the past 7 days. Each item is scored on a scale of 0 to 3, based on the intensity or frequency of the symptoms.
Desired Audience
While primarily designed for postpartum and pregnant women, the EPDS is also applicable for broader use in screening for general depression in the adult population.
The EPDS should be offered to all postpartum women as part of routine postnatal care.
Can be used during pregnancy to identify early symptoms of depression.
Useful in a variety of settings including obstetric clinics, primary care, and mental health services.
Considerations
The scale is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument.
Positive scores indicate the need for a full clinical assessment.
Cultural sensitivity is important in the interpretation of responses.
How to score the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale EPDS
Conducting the assessment
Participants respond to questions about their emotional and psychological state over the previous week, with responses indicating the severity or frequency of symptoms.
Interpretation
Scores range from 0 to 30. A higher score indicates a greater likelihood of depression. A cut-off score, often around 10 or 12, is used to identify those who may require further clinical evaluation.
Clinical Considerations
The EPDS should be administered in a supportive and private environment.
Follow up high scores with a comprehensive clinical assessment.
Consider the broader context of each individual's circumstances when interpreting results.
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale EPDS use cases
Routine screening in postnatal care.
Research in perinatal mental health.
General depression screening in the wider population.
Category
Depression
Research Summary
Cox, J. L., Holden, J. M., & Sagovsky, R. (1987). Detection of postnatal depression: Development of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. British Journal of Psychiatry, 150, 782-786.
Murray, D., & Cox, J. L. (1990). Screening for depression during pregnancy with the Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDDS). Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 8(2), 99-107.
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