Universal screening for postpartum depression: an inquiry into provider attitudes and practice

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the use of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for detection of postpartum depression (PPD) in an academic medical center outpatient population and assessed knowledge and attitudes of obstetric providers regarding detection and treatment of PPD. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 512 charts were reviewed for demographic, medical, and psychiatric information. Also, a validated e-mail survey was sent to University of North Carolina obstetrical providers (n = 47). RESULTS: Our chart review revealed that providers documented the EPDS score in 39% of visits and counseled patients on their score and/or depression in 35% of visits. The survey results show that all respondents agree that they are responsible for screening for PPD, and 94% are confident in diagnosing PPD. CONCLUSION: The majority of obstetric providers are not documenting the EPDS in their postpartum assessment, yet they feel responsible for and confident in screening for postpartum depression.