The Journal of Reproductive Medicine, 42(4), 207-215
To develop and evaluate a questionnaire used antepartum to screen for postpartum depression.
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).
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.
The APQ is now available for screening and evaluating early therapeutic intervention in PPDS.
Posner, N. A., Unterman, R. R., Williams, K. N., & Williams, G. H. (1997). Screening for postpartum depression. An antepartum questionnaire. *The Journal of reproductive medicine*, *42*(4), 207-215.
Posner NA, Unterman RR, Williams KN, Williams GH. Screening for postpartum depression. An antepartum questionnaire. J Reprod Med. 1997;42(4):207-215.
Posner, N. A., et al. "Screening for postpartum depression. An antepartum questionnaire." *The Journal of reproductive medicine*, vol. 42, no. 4, 1997, pp. 207-215.
Adolescent, Adult, Depression, Postpartum/diagnosis, Female, Humans, Middle Aged, Predictive Value of Tests, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Trimester, Second/psychology, Psychological Tests, Risk Assessment, Sensitivity and Specificity, Surveys and Questionnaires,