The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends depression and anxiety screening for all birthing parents using a standardized, validated tool, such as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).[1]
Anyone identified by screening, or who suspects they may be experiencing PPD, should be diagnosed by a healthcare provider, who will assess their depressive symptoms. Per the American Psychiatric Association, the diagnostic criteria for peripartum depressive episodes match those of the respective depressive episode, with the additional criterion of onset within 4 months of delivery.[2]ref