• Sarah J Breese McCoy, J Martin Beal, Mark E Payton, Audra L Stewart, Ariana M DeMers, and Gary H Watson.
• Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, 1111 W. 17th Street, Tulsa, OK 74107-1898, USA. sjmccoy98@aol.com
• J Affect Disord. 2005 Jun 1; 86 (2-3): 295-7.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to search for correlations of scores on the visual analog scales (VAS) taken during the third week postpartum with scores on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) taken on approximately day 28 postpartum.MethodsThirty-four women filled out six visual analog scales on postpartum days 15-21 and took the EPDS at their 4-week postpartum visit to the clinic. Results were analyzed by simple linear regression and multiple backward stepwise regression.ResultsResponses to all six statements of the VAS correlated significantly with 4-week EPDS scores. Approximately 54% of the variability of 4-week EPDS scores can be predicted by the variability in VAS question 6.LimitationsRelatively small sample size is a moderately limiting factor of this study.ConclusionMood in the third week postpartum was predictive of EPDS score on postpartum day 28. Mood lability during the third week postpartum was a better predictor of EPDS score on day 28 than the other five measures, including feelings of sadness or anxiety. The EPDS may have potential use with an acceptable degree of accuracy earlier than the standard 4 weeks postpartum.

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