Screening for PPD
Since October 2006, any health professional providing prenatal care in New Jersey must discuss perinatal depression with pregnant patients and their families. The law also requires that all pregnant women be screened for postpartum depression (PPD) after delivery and at their first few postpartum visits.
The state-recommended screening tool used by many New Jersey providers is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). This simple, ten-question survey is completed privately by the woman and can help determine if additional care is appropriate.
Early diagnosis of PPD can lead to early intervention, lessening the burden of the illness on mothers and families.