Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common side effect of childbearing (Wisner, Parry, Piontek, 2002) and is experienced by many mothers. PPD can interfere with a mother's ability to care for her baby, herself, and daily tasks. Symptoms develop during the first few weeks after giving birth, however it can begin earlier such as during pregnancy and/or up to a year after giving birth (Mayo Clinic)
This scale follows the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (Cox, Holden, Sagovsky, 1987) and will ask you how you have been feeling during the previous week (before taking the form). Although it cannot detect anxiety neurosis, phobias or personality disorders, this assessment is helpful in detecting signs or risk of postpartum depression. Clinical assistance should follow the results of this form to confirm the diagnosis.
Instructions:
- Please check the answer that is closest to how you have felt in the past 7 days.
- Take the assessment alone and do not discuss answers with others.
Example:
I have felt happy:
- Yes, all the time
- Yes, most of the time
- No, not very often
- no, not at all
Picking "Yes, most of the time" means you have felt happy most of the time during the past week.
