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Detection of Postnatal Depression

Development of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

J. L. Cox ,
J. M. Holden  and
R. Sagovsky
J. L. Cox*
Affiliation:
Department of Postgraduate Medicine University of Keele. City General Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent, Department of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh
J. M. Holden
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh
R. Sagovsky
Affiliation:
Department of Postgraduate Medicine University of Keele. City General Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent, Department of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh
*
University of Keele, Thornburrow Drive, Hartshil, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs S17 7QB
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Abstract

The development of a 10-item self-report scale (EPDS) to screen for Postnatal Depression in the community is described. After extensive pilot interviews a validation study was carried out on 84 mothers using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for depressive illness obtained from Goldberg's Standardised Psychiatric Interview. The EPDS was found to have satisfactory sensitivity and specficity, and was also sensitive to change in the severity of depression over time. The scale can be completed in about 5 minutes and has a simple method of scoring. The use of the EPDS in the secondary prevention of Postnatal Depression is discussed.

Type
Research Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 150 , Issue 6 , June 1987 , pp. 782 - 786
Copyright
Copyright © 1987 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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