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Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score Calculator
Many health visitors use the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EPDS) as a screening method for depression in the post natal period, see related article on Postnatal Depression.1
- This is a self-report questionnaire which is both easy to complete and acceptable to the mother.
- Evidence from a number of research studies has confirmed the tool to be both reliable and sensitive in detecting depression and it has been validated for use in the community.1,2,3
- New mothers usually complete it 6-8 weeks post partum.
- A score of 11-12/30 has a sensitivity of 76.7% and specificity of 92.5% for depression.
- It should be confirmed by interview and mental state examination.
To use calculator, click on appropriate answer and score appears in box when all questions completed.
Document references
- Cox JL, Holden JM, Sagovsky R; Detection of postnatal depression. Development of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Br J Psychiatry. 1987 Jun;150:782-6. [abstract]
- Warner R, Appleby L, Whitton A, et al; Demographic and obstetric risk factors for postnatal psychiatric morbidity. Br J Psychiatry. 1996 May;168(5):607-11. [abstract]
- Murray L, Carothers AD; The validation of the Edinburgh Post-natal Depression Scale on a community sample. Br J Psychiatry. 1990 Aug;157:288-90. [abstract]
DocID: 2642
Document Version: 20
DocRef: bgp2172
Last Updated: 9 Oct 2008
Review Date: 9 Oct 2010
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