Screening for postpartum depression. An antepartum questionnaire.
OBJECTIVE
To develop and evaluate a questionnaire used antepartum to screen for postpartum depression.


METHODS
Demographic and clinical data, based on previously identified variables, were obtained from 106 second-trimester gravidas (sample I) by interview, self-administered questionnaire and medical record review. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was administered at 1, 6 and 12 weeks postpartum (PP). Statistical analysis, including stepwise linear regression with maximum r-squared improvement, identified a subset of the 24 most predictive variables. This antepartum questionnaire (APQ) was validated retrospectively in the original sample and prospectively in a second group of 99 women (sample II).


RESULTS
In both sample populations the APQ had acceptable sensitivity (80-82%) and specificity (78-82%). The incidence of postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS) rose from 10% to 17% by six weeks without an appreciable decline at 12 weeks (15%). The percentage of women showing more than mild depressive symptoms increased with PP time from 30% at 1 week to 47% at 12.


CONCLUSIONS
The APQ is now available for screening and evaluating early therapeutic intervention in PPDS.
Posner
N A
NA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Albany Medical College, NY 12208, USA.
Unterman
R R
RR
Williams
K N
KN
Williams
G H
GH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second / Q000523:psychology; D011581:Psychological Tests; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires