Validation of the Lithuanian version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

Medicina (Kaunas). 2009;45(7):544-8.

Abstract

Depression is prevalent postpartum and is a major health problem. OBJECTIVE. In this study, we aimed to evaluate how precise the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is in screening for depressive disorders postpartum. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A random sample of 94 women was interviewed two weeks postpartum using the Composite International Diagnostics Interview Short-Form (CIDI-SF). In addition, they filled in the EPDS. We evaluated (a) internal consistency of the EPDS by the means of Cronbach's alpha coefficient; (b) area under the ROC curve, sensitivity, specificity of the EPDS against the CIDI-SF diagnoses of depressive disorders. RESULTS. The internal consistency of the EPDS was 0.83. The optimal cutoff score of the EPDS for screening CIDI-SF diagnoses of depressive disorders was found to be 7 and more with an area under the ROC curve of 0.83, sensitivity of 92%, and specificity of 73%. CONCLUSIONS. The EPDS has a good reliability as a screening instrument, and a cutoff score of 7 and more has to be used in screening for postpartum depressive disorders.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Depression, Postpartum / diagnosis*
  • Depression, Postpartum / psychology
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Informed Consent
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Lithuania
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychometrics
  • ROC Curve
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Time Factors