Postpartum Depression Screening

Urgent safety information

If you have thoughts about suicide, or hurting yourself or your baby get help right away: Call 911 or go to your local emergency room. Postpartum psychosis may cause hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real) and confusion. It is a medical emergency and it's important to get help immediately by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room.

Emergency numbers on this page are for the United States. Outside the US, call your local emergency number.

Why this test may be ordered

• Routine screening after childbirth to detect possible postpartum depression early
• If you have symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, lack of interest in your baby, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

Preparation and collection

You usually don't need any special preparations for a postpartum depression screening.

During a postpartum depression screening you'll answer a set of questions. One of the most common questionnaires is called the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The EPDS includes 10 questions about your mood and thoughts. Your provider may also order a blood test to find out if a physical condition, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, may be causing your depression.

There is no risk to having a physical exam or taking a questionnaire. There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.

Understanding results

If a result or symptoms suggest an emergency, get emergency medical help right away.

If your screening shows you may have postpartum depression, it's important to get treatment as soon as possible.

• Screening suggests postpartum depression: If your screening shows you may have postpartum depression, it's important to get treatment as soon as possible. Limitation: Symptoms of postpartum depression usually start between one to three weeks after birth. However, they may begin at any time during the first year of parenthood. Next step: You may need treatment from a mental health provider.
• Signs of postpartum psychosis: Postpartum psychosis may cause hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real) and confusion. Limitation: A rare but more serious form of postpartum depression is called postpartum psychosis. Next step: It is a medical emergency and it's important to get help immediately by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room.

• The screening is based on your self-reported answers and may not capture all cases.
• A screen-positive result does not mean you definitely have postpartum depression; it means you need further evaluation.
• The screening does not replace a clinical diagnosis by a mental health professional.

What to do next

You may need treatment from a mental health provider. If you are breastfeeding your baby, let your provider know. This may affect what medicines your provider can give you.

• Have you been feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most of the time?
• Have you had changes in appetite or sleep?
• Do you feel more angry or anxious than usual?
• Have you lost interest in your baby or doubted your ability to care for them?
• Have you had thoughts of harming yourself or your baby?

Evidence source

Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.

U.S. National Library of Medicine: Postpartum Depression Screening

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