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Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) Calculator
See Related article Postnatal Depression.
Postnatal depression occurs within the first year following the birth, often with gradual onset, and usually within the first three months.
Many women with postnatal depression do not recognise the symptoms themselves and will hide them for fear of been seen as a "failure" by not coping well during this very difficult time.
Postnatal depression presents with similar symptoms to general depression but with some variation:
- Low mood and loss of enjoyment
- Anxiety
- Disturbed sleep and eating patterns
- Poor concentration
- Low self-esteem
- Low energy levels
- Loss of libido
Screening
Many health visitors use the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) as a screening method.- 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 depression1 and it has been validated for use in the community. 2
- 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%.
- It should be confirmed by interview and mental state examination.
References, footnotes and further reading
- Cox JL, Holden JM and Sagovosky R; Detection of Postnatal Depression. Development of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Br J Psychiatry 1987 150: 782-6
- Murray L, Carothers AD; The validation of the Edinburgh Post-natal Depression Scale on a community sample. Br J Psychiatry 1990 157:288-90
Acknowledgements EMIS is grateful to Dr Dr Huw Thomas for this calculator. ©EMIS 2007
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