Symptoms And Diagnosis Of Antenatal Depression - 813 Words

Answers to the questions can result in scores of 0 to 30, with depression indicated at a cut-off score of ≠¥10 in postpartum studies (Cox, Holden, Sagovsky, 1987). It is considered highly reliable for postpartum screening with a sensitivity of over 90% and a specificity between 77% and 88% (Chaudron et al., 2010). The EPDS is considered a more effective tool in antenatal screening compared to other recognized depression screening instruments such as the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) or the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)(Freed, Chan, Boger, Tompson, 2012). In Bergink’s et al research, the EPDS proved to yield high rates of sensitivity and specificity in determining antenatal depression during specific†¦show more content†¦Following diagnosis via the EPDS, obstetrical providers can decide if outside referral or depression reassessment at a further prenatal visit is appropriate. Treatment Depression is a treatable condition, and there are treatment standards in place for pregnant women(Choate Gintner, 2011). Currently, the treatment of antenatal depression consists of prescription medication and psychotherapy (Yonkers, Vigod, Ross, 2011), and â€Å"alternative† treatments including vitamin or herbal supplements, acupuncture, exercise, or massage therapy (Deligiannidis Freeman, 2013). Treating antenatal depression often poses a dilemma for both the specialist and the patient. For the specialist, the risk of prescribing medication has to equate with the risk of any potential iatrogenic harm to the fetus (Ververs, van Dijk, Yousofi, Schobben, Visser, 2009). While there are guidelines in place for the prescribing of medications to a pregnant patient (Howland, 2009), not many obstetrical specialists feel confident in their own ability to treat a psychiatric illness (Hill, Greenberg, Holzman, Schulkin, 2001). Research documenting the effects of anti depressant use during pregnancy has revealed that the medicines themselves may induce preterm birth