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Screening and diagnosing postpartum depression: when and how?
Gustavo Paranhos de Albuquerque Moraes1, Laura Lorenzo2, Gabriela Arruda Reinaux Pontes1
1Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, PE, Brazil.
Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
|April 14, 2017
Summary
Postpartum depression (PPD) screening tools and timing vary widely. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is most common, with diagnosis often occurring within 3 months, though some studies extend this to 12 months or more.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Postpartum depression (PPD) prevalence varies due to differing study methodologies, diagnostic tools, and timing.
- There is no consensus on optimal screening times or the diagnostic window for PPD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review instruments used for screening and diagnosing PPD in recent years.
- To identify the prevailing time frames for PPD diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of articles published within the last 5 years focusing on PPD screening and diagnosis.
- Selection of 22 relevant articles.
Main Results:
- The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was the most frequent screening tool (68%).
- Other tools included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).
- Screening occurred within 3 months postpartum in 43% of studies, up to 6 months in 19%, and 12 months or longer in 38%.
Conclusions:
- The EPDS is a common tool, but diagnostic periods for PPD lack standardization, ranging from early postpartum to over 12 months.
- Greater standardization in PPD investigation parameters is necessary for consistent research and clinical practice.