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Abstract
This paper reports the validation of the EPDS against a Research Diagnostic Criteria
diagnosis of Major and Minor depression. The EPDS was administered to non-postnatal
women with older children (mean age of youngest child 3 years 9 months) and to postnatal
women (baby aged 6 months). All who scored 9 or above and one third of low scorers
were interviewed, using Goldberg's Clinical Interview Schedule. The study confirmed
good user acceptability of the EPDS when administered as a postal questionnaire (92%
response rate). The EPDS was found to have satisfactory sensitivity (79%) and specificity
(85%). Our findings suggest that the EPDS take a place alongside other screening scales
for depression in Community samples. It is proposed that when used in these settings
it is referred to as the Edinburgh Depression Scale.