Screening for Postpartum challenges
The PDF document available below is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) screening tool for postpartum depression. Studies show that postpartum depression (PPD) affects at least 10 percent of women and that many depressed mothers do not get proper treatment. These mothers might cope with their babies and with household tasks, but their enjoyment of life is seriously affected, and it is possible that there are long-term effects on the family.
The EPDS was developed to assist health professionals in detecting mothers suffering from PPD, a distressing disorder more prolonged than the “blues” (which can occur in the first week after delivery).
The EPDS was developed to assist health professionals in detecting mothers suffering from PPD, a distressing disorder more prolonged than the “blues” (which can occur in the first week after delivery).
This tool is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended to/should not be used in place of formal consultation and diagnosis by a medical or mental health provider.
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) – (View/Print)J. L. Cox, J.M. Holden, R. SagovskyFrom: British Journal of Psychiatry (1987), 150, 782-786.