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The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) should be administered:
Score < 10
Score > 10
Positive Score on Question 10
Does not suggest depression
Clinical staff educates woman about the importance of emotional wellness. Provide information about community resources (e.g., support groups) to support emotional wellness.
Suggests patient is depressed
Assess to determine most appropriate treatment (refer to the Assessment of Depression Severity, Treatment Options by Depression Severity, and Discussing Antidepressant Use with Perinatal Patients documents). Always consider comorbid psychiatric illnesses (e.g., psychosis, substance use) and medical cause of depression (e.g., anemia, thyroid disorders).
Suggests patient may be at risk of self-harm or suicide
Do NOT leave woman/baby in room alone until further assessment or treatment plan has been established. Immediately assess further:
Document assessment and plan in medical record. If there is a clinical question, locate your regional MC3 phone number and give us a call.
Contact clinical support staff to arrange follow-up care if needed. Give woman information about community resources (e.g., support groups) and encourage woman to engage in social supports. If woman is already in treatment, ensure follow up appointment is scheduled.
If antidepressant medication is indicated:
ALWAYS DISCUSS ALL SUPPORT/TREATMENT OPTIONS INCLUDING PSYCHOEDUCATION, COMMUNITY, AND PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORTS
* High-risk = women with a history of depression or a positive EPDS Score, or those taking or who have taken psychiatric medications.
This resource has been adapted with permission from the MCPAP for Moms Pediatric Toolkit for Postpartum Depression.