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 women be screened for postpartum depression (PPD) after delivery and at their first few postpartum visits.
The state-recommended screening tool is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). This self-administered, ten-question survey screens for PPD risk 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.