Determining the Appropriate Time for Postpartum Depression Screening

Purpose: The purpose of this evidence-based project was to determine if there is a higher rate of postpartum depression six weeks after delivery as stated in the published literature, compared to the antenatal period at 36-42... [ view full abstract ]

Purpose: The purpose of this evidence-based project was to determine if there is a higher rate of postpartum depression six weeks after delivery as stated in the published literature, compared to the antenatal period at 36-42 weeks.
Background: Undetected postpartum depression can result in problems such as altered mother and infant bonding, infant developmental and cognitive delays, and suicidal, homicidal or infanticide ideation.
Description of Innovation: A convenience sample of 25 women, 36-42 weeks pregnant, was recruited as participants for this study. Women who had been previously diagnosed with an affective disorder and/or receiving psychopharmacological treatment were excluded from the project. Women were approached by the investigator in the office and asked if they would participate in the study. The fifteen minute intervention consisted of administering an informational session in which a fact sheet on signs and symptoms of postpartum blues and postpartum depression were reviewed. Twenty-five participants completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale privately after the instructional session, the questions were reviewed and the EPDS score was given to the women.
Impact of Innovation: One woman was found to have an EPDS score greater than eleven and was self-referred to a psychiatric social worker for therapy.
Conclusion and Implications: Of the twenty-five women contacted in the six week follow up period, twenty-four women completed the EPDS scale. Results of the EPDS scoring included ten of the women had a decreased score at six weeks postpartum, eight of the women had an increased score at six weeks postpartum and five of the women score remained the same, with one woman scoring a 0/30 at the antenatal and postnatal period. The results of this EBP project determined the need to screen women for depression in the antenatal period (36-42 weeks) and again at six weeks postpartum. The EPDS is cost effective, convenient and easy to administer to women while waiting to see their medical provider. The use of the EPDS is as an objective measure to assess postpartum depression and should be incorporated by health care providers while caring for pregnant women.