OhioCanDo4Kids

The Maternal Depression Screening Program (MDSP) involves Help Me Grow home visitors administering the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to all mothers in the Help Me Grow program. Mothers who score in the clinical range (? 12) on the EPDS and/or endorse item 10 on the EPDS indicating thoughts of self harm are referred to a county mental health provider for further evaluation and treatment.

The original EPDS has varying response formats. We modified the EPDS for use in the MDSP so the response formats are consistent. Wording of items stayed the same. Response formats were changes on the following EPDS items: 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Our modified version is consistent with the web-based data system and makes data entry less confusing and more consistent for program participants.

Attached below:
1) How to Use the EPDS - Instructions on how to administer the EPDS.
2) EPDS reformatted- This is the EPDS. Administer this EPDS to Moms. Only difference is the reformatted responses.
3) How to Score EPDS- The scoring sheet for the reformatted EPDS. Do not administer this to Moms because the scores are listed.
4) Spanish EPDS- Spanish translation of the original EPDS. If you need additional translations, please contact Lisa Connelly and we will check if they are available.
Recommended reading: Cox, J. & Holden, J. (2003). Perinatal mental health: A guide to the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Gaskell: Royal College of Psychiatrists.
This text guides health professionals and researchers through the practical uses of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and explores cross-cultural issues, background information on postnatal depression and implications for health service management.