Screening for perinatal depression: recommendations for social workers

Social workers have limited educational or practical experiences to build confidence and competence in effectively screening mothers for perinatal depression (PD). This article seeks to address this gap in the literature by presenting an evidence-informed review on PD, including screening instruments, and providing recommendations for social workers. There are two psychometrically strong screening instruments for PD, specifically the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS). Social workers should consider psychometric performance, use, time, availability, cost, and diversity factors in selecting a screening instrument, although in most cases, the EPDS is preferable.