Title: Mejorando la pesquisa de depresión posparto a través de un instrumento de tamizaje, la escala de depresión posparto de Edimburgo
Abstract: Use fo the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale to detect postpartum depressionBackground: Postpartum depression is a serious, common, treatable condition, with broad repercussions in mother and family life, but frequently under diagnosed.A screening tool, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) could improve the detection rate of depressive symptoms.Aim: To assess the efficacy of EPDS in the detection rates for depressive symptoms in the postpartum period.To evaluate the feasibility of routine use of this screening scale in a Family Medicine Center.Material and methods: The medical records of women attended during 2002, were reviewed to detect the registry of depressive symptoms or request for psychiatric consultations for depression.During 2003, the EPDS was applied to a sample of 110 women.To confirm the postpartum depression diagnosed using the instrument, a structured psychiatric interview was administered to these women.Results: The medical records of 110 women aged 24±7 years were reviewed and the instrument was applied to 110 women aged 26±7 years.In the first group, the spontaneous detection rate for depressive symptoms was 4.6% (5/110).In 26.4% of women in whom the instrument was applied, depressive symptoms were found and 15% had a postpartum depression.The application rate of the scale was 88% and the rate of acceptance by mothers was 100%.Conclusions: The EPDS improves significantly the detection rates of postpartum depressive symptoms, and it is well accepted by health professionals and mothers (Rev Méd Chile