Postnatal Depression: Its Nature, Effects, and Identification Using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

Abstract

Postnatal depression, or clinical depression in mothers during the months after childbirth, occurs at a time when heavy demands are placed on these women's resources, and when infant learning and development are taking place. Identification and treatment are facilitated when health professionals and services are in close contact with the family and can provide beneficial intervention. Two studies examined whether women with nonpsychotic postnatal depression could be recognized and treated within existing services, using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and a randomized, controlled trial of counseling intervention with health visitors.