Screening for postnatal depression. Validation of the Norwegian version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and assessment of risk factors for postnatal depression.

OBJECTIVE

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a self-rating scale developed to screen for postnatal depression. The aim of this study was to validate a Norwegian translation of the EPDS, study its psychometric properties, and identify risk factors for postnatal depression.

METHOD

EPDS was filled in by 411 women at 6-12 weeks postpartum. Of these, 100 were interviewed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for DSM-IV major and minor depressive disorders.

RESULTS

When using a cut-off of 11 on the EPDS, 26 of 27 women with major depression were identified (sensitivity 96%, specificity 78%). An aggregate point prevalence of 10.0% of major and minor depression was found. A one-factor model accounted for 46.6% of the variance. Strongest risk factors for postpartum depression were previous depression, depression in current pregnancy, and current somatic illness.

LIMITATIONS

Women screened using the EPDS who had a score above threshold, yet did not attend the diagnostic interview could cause the point prevalence of depression to be higher than indicated here.

CONCLUSION

The Norwegian translation of EPDS functions equally well as other translations as a screening tool for postnatal depression. The risk factors that were found are compatible with other studies.