Screening Using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at Delivery Discharge as a Predictor of Postpartum...

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Perinatal Mental Health
• Psychiatric Screening

Background:

• Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant concern affecting maternal well-being.
• Early identification of PPD risk is crucial for timely intervention.
• The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a widely used screening tool.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the predictive value of EPDS scores obtained at delivery discharge for PPD risk.
• To assess the feasibility of implementing EPDS screening at delivery discharge.
• To determine the correlation between EPDS scores at discharge and at 2-6 weeks postpartum.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 1603 patients delivering at an urban academic medical center (6/2021-6/2022).
• Universal EPDS screening conducted prior to discharge; scores ≥9 indicated risk.
• Patients were re-screened at 2-6 weeks postpartum to assess primary outcome (mean EPDS score).

Main Results:

• 13.7% of patients scored ≥9 at discharge; 2.3% reported self-harm.
• Mean postpartum EPDS scores were significantly higher in the high-risk discharge group (7.9 vs. 2.7, p<0.001).
• 42% of high-risk patients maintained elevated scores postpartum; 91.8% of low-risk patients remained low-risk (NPV).

Conclusions:

• EPDS screening at delivery discharge is feasible and effectively identifies patients at risk for PPD.
• Interventions should prioritize patients with elevated discharge EPDS scores due to sustained risk.
• Postpartum rescreening is vital to capture individuals not identified at discharge.