Rethinking the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale: contemporary relevance, validity and implications for future research
Dudeney, E. 
ORCID: 0000-0003-1658-703X & Meades, R. ORCID: 0000-0002-6944-6428 (2026).
Rethinking the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale: contemporary relevance, validity and implications for future research.
The British Journal of Psychiatry,
doi: 10.1192/bjp.2026.10748
Abstract
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale has shaped the identification of perinatal depression for four decades, but evolving understandings of distress, comorbidity and measurement standards challenge its continued adequacy. We argue for rigorous, co-produced revision to enhance validity, inclusivity and clinical utility, supporting more accurate and meaningful assessment in contemporary care.
| Publication Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | © The Author(s), 2026. This is the accepted manuscript of an article published by CUP. Please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions for information on re-use. |
| Publisher Keywords: | Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; assessment; validity; acceptability; perinatal depression |
| Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC0321 Neuroscience. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics |
| Departments: | School of Health & Medical Sciences School of Health & Medical Sciences > Department of Nursing & Midwifery |
| SWORD Depositor: |
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