What is the sensitivity of a cutoff score of 13 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale?

The sensitivity of a cutoff score of 13 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) indicates the ability of the test to correctly identify individuals who do have postnatal depression. A sensitivity of 86% means that when the score of 13 is used as the cutoff, 86% of those who actually have postnatal depression will be correctly identified by the scale.

A cutoff score of 13 is widely utilized in clinical practice for screening purposes, as it strikes a balance between detecting most cases of depression while minimizing false positives. This high sensitivity is crucial in a screening tool, as it allows for timely intervention and treatment for those in need.

In clinical settings, achieving a high sensitivity is vital, especially in postpartum care, to ensure that women at risk of depression are identified and provided with appropriate support and treatment. Hence, the cutoff score of 13 on the EPDS effectively identifies a substantial proportion of those affected, underscoring its utility in practice.