Identification of symptoms of postpartum depression: linking research to practice

This paper presents a research approach for identification of symptoms of postpartum depression that could be adapted for use in practice settings. Women (n = 95) who had recently given birth completed a self-administered questionnaire at a health center at the time of their regularly scheduled postpartum visit. The questionnaire was composed of The Mothers' Information Tool to obtain demographic data, personal history, and information about the woman's birth and postpartum experience and the Depression Adjective Check Lists (DACL) and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) to assess symptoms suggestive of postpartum depression. Follow-up assessment of women whose scores were elevated on the DACL or BSI provided confirmation of symptoms and opportunity for additional evaluation and treatment of postpartum depression when indicated. The authors conclude that paper-and-pencil instruments could be used effectively in clinical practice to identify depressive symptoms among postpartum women.