title: Predictors of post-natal depression are shaped distinctly by the measure of 'depression'.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many variables have been proposed as predictive of post-natal depression (PND).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To investigate and refine PND risk variables.
  
  
  METHODS
  We recruited a large sample and employed two measures of PND (the dimensional Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale or EPDS, and DSM-defined major depression).
  
  
  RESULTS
  High levels of stress in the post-natal period, previous depression and higher depression scores during pregnancy were the only consistent predictors across measures. Those exceeding the EPDS cut-off had additional psychosocial risk factors while those meeting criteria for major depression were strongly predicted by a past history of depression as well as higher pre-natal state depression scores.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The EPDS has been used with variable cut off scores across multiple studies. We used only nine of the 10 EPDS items, electing to exclude the self-harm related question, but preserving the recommended EPDS cut-off score, and which might have impacted on predictions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Study results generated a refined set of predictors of PND but, more importantly, identified that predictors of PND status are distinctly influenced by the measure of PND. Such inconsistencies are intrinsically noteworthy and of potential key importance in shaping intervention strategies.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Australia; Black Dog Institute, Australia. Electronic address: g.parker@unsw.edu.au.
authors.forename: Gordon B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.affiliation: School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Australia; Black Dog Institute, Australia.
authors.forename: Bronwyn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hegarty
authors.affiliation: School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Australia; Black Dog Institute, Australia.
authors.forename: Amelia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Paterson
authors.affiliation: School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Australia; Black Dog Institute, Australia.
authors.forename: Dusan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hadzi-Pavlovic
authors.affiliation: School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Australia; Black Dog Institute, Australia.
authors.forename: Isabelle
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Granville-Smith
authors.affiliation: School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Australia; Black Dog Institute, Australia.
authors.forename: Aniela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gokiert
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: Depression; Measure; Post-natal depression