Diagnosis

Early detection of postpartum depression is particularly important, as this is the only way to treat it in time without leaving the woman in a depressed mood. In order to diagnose postpartum depression, organic diseases, such as thyroid disease or anemia (insufficient blood formation, e.g. due to existing iron deficiency), must first be ruled out. These two clinical pictures cause similar symptoms, but must be recognized and treated much faster.

Next, it is important to distinguish an actual postpartum depression in need of treatment from the so-called baby blues, which are merely a few “howling days” directly after delivery that improve by themselves without treatment. The diagnosis of postpartum depression is ultimately made on the basis of the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS), which is a questionnaire with 10 questions specially developed for the diagnosis. The higher the score obtained (there is a certain number of points for each answer), the more severe the depression in question.

Yes and no. The reliable diagnosis of depression is not made by a questionnaire, but by a doctor or psychologist. However, there are special questionnaires that aim to detect postpartum depression.

For example, here is a test called the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Questionnaire). It consists of 10 short questions. It asks whether certain feelings/moods/ideas have occurred in the last 7 days.

For example, the basic mood, the presence of feelings of guilt, the ability to be happy, the presence of anxiety and panic, the presence of experiences of being overwhelmed as well as sleep disorders and suicidal thoughts. There are 4 pre-set answers to each question, from which one can be selected. The answer options are the same for each question.

Points are awarded for each of the answers. The higher the score, the more likely it is that postpartum depression is present. From 13 points or higher, the probability of the presence of depression is high.

The test is often used by doctors if there is already evidence of the presence of depressive symptoms. However, the test can also be accessed on the Internet by affected persons or relatives of affected persons and can be answered and evaluated independently. If depressive symptoms are suspected (score above 10 points) or if question 10 on suicidal thoughts could not be answered with “no”, a doctor should be consulted to decide on further action.