Rethinking the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale: contemporary relevance, validity and implications for future research

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.