Screening for postnatal depression--a summary of current knowledge.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health
• Maternal Health

Background:

• Postnatal depression affects 10-15% of new mothers.
• The Edinburgh method (EPDS screening + nurse counseling) is used in Norway.
• International studies show benefits of the Edinburgh method.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing knowledge on managing postnatal depression.
• To emphasize the benefits of screening for postnatal depression.
• To assess the applicability of the Edinburgh method in Norway.

Main Methods:

• Literature search of PubMed, PsychInfo, and Cochrane databases.
• Downloaded national and international guidelines and reports.
• Reviewed Norwegian validation study of the EPDS scale.

Main Results:

• The EPDS scale is validated internationally and in Norway.
• A threshold of 10 on the EPDS yielded 100% sensitivity but 87% specificity (many false positives).
• Higher thresholds reduced sensitivity, and further testing of two EPDS measurements plus interview is needed.

Conclusions:

• Screening for postnatal depression is a potentially appropriate measure.
• More research is required on the Edinburgh method's efficacy in Norway.
• Consensus on the optimal EPDS cut-off point for positive screening is needed.