What are the most commonly used screening tools for assessing postpartum depression?
In selecting a screening tool, it is important to use one that has been validated and is accepted clinically in your population; in this case, postpartum women. The most widely used screening tool for assessing postpartum depression is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). It has been used internationally, and has been validated in several languages. Other tools for consideration include the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), andthe Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES-D). Click here to view a list of these screening tools, complete with descriptions, sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictivevalue scores, pro and con analysis, as well as cost and availability information. • What is the most appropriate setting to screen for postpartum depression? Show/Hide Answer Postpartum women interact with a multitude of healthcare providers, and therefore, it is appropriate to incorporate depression screening
