Accuracy of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for Screening to Detect Major Depression Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Individual Participant Data

Abstract

(BMJ. 2020;371:m4022) Depression in pregnant and postpartum women is common and rates of detection and management could potentially improve with screening. Self-report depression symptom questionnaires such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) could be used as part of a full assessment when depression is suspected. This study used individual participant data meta-analysis to assess the accuracy of EPDS screening and whether EPDS screening accuracy differs by timing of screen, patient age, and residence.