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01-06-2008 | Original Contribution

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale detects but does not distinguish anxiety disorders from depression in mothers of infants

Authors: Heather J. Rowe, Jane R. W. Fisher, Wai May Loh

Published in: Archives of Women's Mental Health | Issue 2/2008

Abstract

Specific screening tests to detect postpartum anxiety are as yet unavailable. The aim of this study was to test the ability of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to detect anxiety disorders in women admitted to residential early parenting centres. Consecutive cohorts of English speaking women admitted with their infants to two centres in Melbourne, Australia completed the Composite International Diagnostic Interview and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Anxiety and depression diagnoses were compared with EPDS scores. Of the 145 women (78% recruitment rate), 138 (95%) provided complete data of whom 35 (25%) had at least one anxiety disorder. EPDS scores over 12 correctly identified 28 women (44%) as having major depression, either alone or co-morbid with an anxiety disorder but 10 (16%) had only an anxiety disorder and were not depressed. All of the 26 (41%) women with EPDS scores over 12 with neither diagnosis met diagnostic criteria for minor depression or an adjustment disorder. EPDS scores were unable to distinguish between these diagnostic groups. The presumption that EPDS scores over 12 indicate only probable depression is an oversimplification. Current national initiatives recommend that EPDS scores over 12 warrant treatment for depression, which may lead to inappropriate labeling and therapy.

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Title: The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale detects but does not distinguish anxiety disorders from depression in mothers of infants
Authors: Heather J. Rowe
Jane R. W. Fisher
Wai May Loh
Publication date: 01-06-2008
Publisher: Springer Vienna
Published in: Archives of Women's Mental Health / Issue 2/2008
Print ISSN: 1434-1816
Electronic ISSN: 1435-1102
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-008-0003-z

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale detects but does not distinguish anxiety disorders from depression in mothers of infants

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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