Optimal risk and diagnosis assessment strategies in perinatal depression: A machine learning approach from the life-ON study cohort

This study aimed to assess the concordance of various psychometric scales in detecting Perinatal Depression (PND) risk and diagnosis. A cohort of 432 women was assessed at 10–15th and 23–25th gestational weeks, 33–40 days and 180–195 days after delivery using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to assess agreement across instruments, and multivariable classification models were developed to predict the values of a binary scale using the other scales. Moderate agreement was shown between the EPDS and VAS and between the HDRS and MADRS throughout the perinatal period. However, agreement between the EPDS and HDRS decreased postpartum. A well-performing model for the estimation of current depression risk (EPDS > 9) was obtained with the VAS and MADRS, and a less robust one for the estimation of current major depressive episode (MDE) diagnosis (MINI) with the VAS and HDRS. When the EPDS is not feasible, the VAS may be used for rapid and comprehensive postpartum screening with reliability. However, a thorough structured interview or clinical examination remains necessary to diagnose a MDE.