Postpartum depression is the most common complication of childbearing. The 10-question Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a valuable and efficient way of identifying patients at risk for "perinatal" depression. The EPDS is easy to administer and has proven to be an effective screening tool.
Mothers who score above 13 are likely to be suffering from a depressive illness of varying severity. The EPOS score should not override clinical judgment. A careful clinical assessment should be carried out to confirm the diagnosis. The scale indicates how the mother has felt during the previous week. In doubtful cases it may be useful to repeat the tool after 2 weeks. The scale will not detect mothers with anxiety neuroses, phobias or personality disorders.
Women with postpartum depression need not feel alone. They may find useful information on the web sites of the National Women's Health Information Center and from groups such as Postpartum Support International and Depression after Delivery .