Comparison of two screening scales in screening postpartum depression

Objective To compare the value of the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS)and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale(EPDS) in the screening of postpartum depression.Methods A total of 445 women within 6 weeks postpartum completed PDSS,EPDS and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders-Patient Edition (SCID-I/P).The SCID-I/P was regarded as the gold standard for postpartum depression diagnosis.Results The cut-off score for PDSS and EPDS was 74 and 10,respectively.PDSS achieved the higher combination of sensitivity ( 93.33％ ) and specifity ( 94.75％ ).The area under the curve for PDSS and EPDS was 0.978 and 0.872,respectively ( P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusions Compared with EPDS,PDSS has a higher screening value.It is a simple,fast and accurate screening tool for postpartum depression. Key words: Postpartum depression;  Screening; Postpartum depression screening scale; Edinburgh postnatal depression scale