Profiles of women with postpartum depressive symptoms: A latent profile analysis using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale factors

Objectives To examine the multidimensionality of symptoms assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and to identify and characterize the profiles of women with Postpartum Depression (PPD) symptoms. Methods A sample of 487 Portuguese postpartum women with clinically relevant depressive symptoms participated in this cross-sectional online study. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to analyze the factor structure of the EPDS. A latent profile analysis based on the EPDS factors was conducted. Differences in sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors between profiles were explored. Results Three EPDS factors were confirmed: depression, anxiety, and anhedonia. Based on these dimensions, three profiles with different symptom severities were found: mild anxious-depressive symptoms; severe PPD symptoms; and moderate anxious-depressive symptoms. Conclusion Identifying profiles of women with PPD symptoms according to the EPDS factors allows to understand the distinct paths of development of PPD and can inform the development of tailored interventions.

Automated summary

This study examined the multidimensionality of symptoms assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and identified different profiles of women with Postpartum Depression (PPD) symptoms based on these dimensions. The findings provide insights into the distinct paths of development of PPD and can inform the development of tailored interventions.