Outcome of postnatal depression screening using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of a postnatal depression screening programme using Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), relative to usual clinical practice. Method: 462 mothers with 2-month-old babies attending routine child health service were randomized into postnatal depression screening by EPDS or usual clinical practice. Follow-up counselling was provided by nurses to participants in need. Results: At 6 months postnatal, there was a significant difference in mental health outcome favouring mothers under the EPDS screening programme. Conclusion: The implementation of a postnatal depression screening programme using EPDS, compared with usual practice, resulted in better mental health among the former.