the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a screening instrument used in the identification of women with postnatal depression. When validated, a score of 11-12 on the EPDS (out of a maximum of 30) has a specificity of postnatal depression of 92.5% and has a sensitivity of 76.7% (1). However the EPDS score is not sufficient to make the diagnosis on its own
the diagnosis of postnatal depression requires assessment of the mother's mood (to elucidate features such as depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation); also there must be assessment of the mother's feelings for and attachment to the baby
Reference:
Murray L, Carothers AD (1990). The validation of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale on a community sample. Br J Psychiatry, 157, 288-90.
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