Test performance of two‐question screening for postpartum depressive symptoms

Abstract

With the cut-off point set at 1, the two-question instrument had high sensitivity in detecting postpartum depressive symptoms at 1 month well-child visits. In primary care setting, negative result with the two-question instrument may be a good indicator of no need for further evaluation for postpartum depression.

Immediate effects of the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster on depressive symptoms among mothers with infants: a prefectural-wide cross-sectional study from the Fukushima Health Management Survey

“…The survey included a two-item screening measure of depression [ 12 ], which inquired about feelings of depressed mood and anhedonia over the past month. The two items were “During the past month, have you often felt down, depressed, or hopeless?” and “During the past month, have you often found little interest or pleasure in doing things?” Mothers who answered yes to at least one of these questions were classified as displaying depressive symptoms.…”

Can pediatricians accurately identify maternal depression at well‐child visits?

“…32,33 When we tested the tool among Japanese mothers, its ability was excellent in identifying mothers with depressive symptoms without miscategorizing mothers without depressive symptoms. 34 Using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) as the reference standard, the sensitivity of the two-question instrument was 88% (95%CI, 64%-99%), the specificity was 76% (65-84%) and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.2 (0.04-0.6) when a score of 1 was used as the cut-off point.…”

Postpartum Depression in a General Pediatric Practice

“…Young age, low level of education, low income level, past psychiatric history, low level of partner support, and stressful life events or obstetric complications all are risk factors for the development of PPD. 1 Many women, especially those with multiple risk factors, may lack the knowledge or support to recognize depression or seek help. 3 Untreated PPD is associated with impaired maternal child bonding, delayed cognitive development, and other emotional, behavioral, and developmental problems.…”

“…8 When pediatric residents were studied, only 3% of mothers were able to be identified via this method. 1 Many practitioners screening for PPD use the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), developed to identify mothers who needed additional evaluation for depression during the postpartum period. 9 The EPDS is a 10-item questionnaire that has been validated and translated and is currently used as a highly trusted screening tool for PPD.…”

“…15,16 Studies in the pediatric primary care setting have demonstrated a sensitivity ranging from 80% to 90% and a specificity of 75% to 90%. 1,17 Another barrier to PPD screening in the pediatric setting is that mothers perceive that pediatricians lack the appropriate training to screen and address PPD. 18 In addition, many pediatricians themselves report that insufficient time and lack of knowledge about screening are their biggest barriers despite feeling it is their responsibility to screen.…”