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Screening for postpartum depression. An antepartum questionnaire

Posner NA et al., 1997

The Journal of reproductive medicine, 42(4), 207-215

PMID 9131493 Source

Abstract

Objective

To develop and evaluate a questionnaire used antepartum to screen for postpartum depression.

Study design

Demographic and clinical data, based on previously identified variables, were obtained from 106 second-trimester gravidas (sample I) by interview, self-administered questionnaire and medical record review. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was administered at 1, 6 and 12 weeks postpartum (PP). Statistical analysis, including stepwise linear regression with maximum r-squared improvement, identified a subset of the 24 most predictive variables. This antepartum questionnaire (APQ) was validated retrospectively in the original sample and prospectively in a second group of 99 women (sample II).

Results

In both sample populations the APQ had acceptable sensitivity (80-82%) and specificity (78-82%). The incidence of postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS) rose from 10% to 17% by six weeks without an appreciable decline at 12 weeks (15%). The percentage of women showing more than mild depressive symptoms increased with PP time from 30% at 1 week to 47% at 12.

Conclusion

The APQ is now available for screening and evaluating early therapeutic intervention in PPDS.

Topics

Pregnancy > Postpartum > DepressionGeneral OB/GYN > Clinical Practice > Standards
postpartum depression screening, antepartum questionnaire depression risk, beck depression inventory postpartum, prenatal screening postpartum mood disorders, second trimester depression screening, postpartum depressive symptoms prediction, pregnancy depression assessment tools, early identification postpartum depression, antenatal risk assessment mood disorders

Cite this article

Posner, N. A., Unterman, R. R., Williams, K. N., & Williams, G. H. (1997). Screening for postpartum depression. An antepartum questionnaire. *The Journal of reproductive medicine*, *42*(4), 207-215.

Keywords

Adolescent, Adult, Depression, Postpartum, Female, Humans, Middle Aged, Predictive Value of Tests, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Trimester, Second, Psychological Tests, Risk Assessment, Sensitivity and Specificity, Surveys and Questionnaires

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