Depression is common in women during pregnancy and after childbirth. According to statistics, depression is experienced by up to 10-20% of young mothers. Unfortunately, it often remains undiagnosed and untreated, which can have negative consequences for both the mother , child and other partner relationships.
One effective tool for detecting postpartum depression is the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). Find out what postpartum depression manifests itself, take a depression test, learn how to cope?
Postpartum depression – risk symptoms of the presence of postpartum depression
Postpartum depression can occur within the first year after the birth of a child. It most often develops within the first 4-6 weeks after delivery. To diagnose postpartum depression, symptoms should last at least 2 weeks.
Symptoms of postpartum depression are often assessed by how the mother has felt over the past seven days.
Symptoms of postpartum depression can vary from woman to woman, but there are a few common symptoms to look out for. These include feelings of sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, loss of interest in life, reduced energy, trouble concentrating, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite and suicidal thoughts.
Moms affected by postpartum depression may have difficulty establishing and maintaining an emotional bond with their child. They may feel a loss of interest in caring for their child. Postpartum depression can also affect a mother’s ability to function in daily life, work and relationships.
The causes of postpartum depression can be complex and include both physical and psychological factors. Hormonal changes, lack of sleep, changes in family and social life, as well as genetic factors.
Baby blues vs. postpartum depression
Baby blues is experienced by 50 to 80% of women after childbirth. Mild lowering of mood, or baby blues, lasts briefly from 3 to 12 days. Postpartum depression lasts much longer, untreated it can last from several weeks to several months. Postpartum depression significantly impedes daily life, the young mother has difficulty performing daily roles. Baby blues usually does not require treatment and passes spontaneously. Postpartum depression requires treatment. It is worth remembering that baby blues can turn into postpartum depression if the symptoms worsen or persist for more than two weeks.
What is the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale EPDS?
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS ) EPDS is a questionnaire developed in 1987 by British researchers. It consists of 10 short questions about a woman’s well-being over the past seven days. The questions address aspects such as mood, anxiety, guilt and suicidal thoughts.
For each question, choose the statement that best describes how you have felt over the past seven days.
It is worth noting that the EPDS is a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool. This means that a high score on the scale does not equate to a diagnosis of postpartum depression. It only indicates an increased risk of its occurrence and the need for further consultation with a specialist.
The EPDS is a screening test for the initial detection of the risk of the presence of postpartum depression. This scale is used to initially detect the risk of the presence of postpartum depression, which allows for rapid intervention and support.
When to use EPDS – prevention
Experts recommend testing with the EPDS preventive scale as well :
- During pregnancy (preferably in the third trimester).
- 6-8 weeks after delivery.
- 3-4 months after delivery.
How does the Edenburg scale work?
The diagnosis of postpartum depression is based on assessing the severity of symptoms using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. This scale consists of 10 questions that address various aspects of mood and emotion. Each question has 4 possibleanswers, and a score is assigned depending on the answer given by the mother. After adding up the scores, the severity of the depressive symptoms can be assessed.
Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale EPDS – take the screening test
Instructions
Try to underline the answers that best fit your mood in the last 7 days. Answer all the questions in the test.
Please mark the correct answer. Complete the test below.
- I was able to enjoy and see the joyful sides of life
- as often as usual (0 points)
- somewhat less frequently than usual (1 point)
- definitely less often than usual (2 points)
- i was completely incapable of joy (3 points)
- I looked to the future with hope
- as always (0 points)
- less frequently than always (1 point)
- definitely less often than usual (2 points)
- i was unable to look to the future with hope (3 points)
- I blamed myself unnecessarily when I failed at something
- yes most of the time (3 points)
- yes, sometimes (2 points)
- rarely (1 point)
- not at all (0 points)
- Without a significant reason, I felt anxious and worried
- not at all (0 points)
- rather not (1 point)
- sometimes (2 points)
- yes, very often (3 points)
- I felt scared and panicked for no good reason
- yes, often (3 points)
- sometimes (2 points)
- no, rather not (1 point)
- no, never (0 points)
- Events surpassed me
- yes, I hardly ever coped (3 points)
- sometimes I didn’t cope as well as usual (2 points)
- most of the time I coped well (1 point)
- i was doing as well as usual (0 points)
- I felt so miserable that I couldn’t sleep at night
- yes, most of the time (3 points)
- yes sometimes (2 points)
- rarely (1 point)
- no, not at all (0 points)
- I felt lonely and unhappy
- yes, most of the time (3 points)
- yes, quite often (2 points)
- not very often (1 point)
- no, not at all (0 points)
- I felt so miserable that I cried
- yes, most of the time (3 points)
- yes, quite often (2 points)
- only occasionally (1 point)
- no, not at all (0 points)
- There were times when I thought about hurting myself
- yes, quite often (3 points)
- sometimes (2 points)
- very rarely (1 point)
- never (0 points)
Test results:
0-9 points: low risk of depression
10-12 points: medium risk of depression
13 and more points: high risk of depression
10 points may indicate emotional difficulties in the mother. Women who score 12 – 13 points may be suffering from postpartum depression – consultation with a specialist is advisable. Above 13 points high risk of depression, consultation necessary.
It is worth remembering that the score on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is not a definite diagnosis, but can be helpful in identifying potential problems.
How to deal with postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression can be a difficult and overwhelming experience. However, there are many ways to cope with this condition. It is important to seek support and understanding from those close to you, such as your partner, family and friends.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help and talk to other women who are also experiencing postpartum depression. Talking together and sharing experiences can be very helpful.
It’s also a good idea to consult a doctor or psychologist who can help diagnose and treat postpartum depression. There are various treatment methods, such as psychotherapy online, drug therapy and group therapy, that can be effective in alleviating the symptoms of postpartum depression.
An approach that combines psychiatric care with psychotherapy is often used to treat postpartum depression. Both can be crucial to successful treatment.
Summary
Postpartum depression is a serious disorder that can have a negative impact on both mother and child. The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale is a valuable tool in caring for young mothers. It allows early detection of the symptoms of postpartum depression, which enables rapid intervention and support.
It is important to seek support and understanding if you are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression. There are many treatment options that can help alleviate the symptoms of postpartum depression. Don’t hesitate to seek help and talk about your feelings and needs.
Source:
https://med.stanford.edu/content/dam/sm/ppc/documents/DBP/EDPS_text_added.pdf