Assessing antenatal depression

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a 10 item, self-reported questionnaire used to screen for depression at least once during pregnancy and may also assist assessment of depressive symptoms during this time. An EPDS score of 13 or higher indicates possible depression requiring further assessment. The EPDS may also help monitor response to therapy—a change in score of 4 points or higher is considered meaningful postpartum (but may be applicable antenatally).

The Antenatal Risk Questionnaire (ANRQ) screens for psychosocial risk factors for depression (eg a past history of mental health problems or trauma, current or past intimate partner violence) and can be a useful adjunct to the EPDS.