Age at first onset of PND

The larger sample (to March 2006) differs slightly from the earlier and smaller sample. In that case the age band at which PND was first experienced was almost identical to the comparable age-specific fertility rate. This data is slightly different. It cannot yet claim statistical significance, but the number of women who experienced PND for the first time at 17-21 is greater than previously.

Screening for PND

Respondents were allowed to select as many of the eight possible responses as applied to them. A total of 466 selections were made — about two each.

A few patterns emerged. Fortunately for the integrity of the data, the obvious negative relationships between 'not being aware of screening' and 'completing formal questionnaires' were identified.

Almost equally predictable were the positive associations between being asked 'A week or so after the birth, I was asked whether I felt unduly depressed' and being asked to '..complete a formal questionnaire at a routine clinic visit' or ' complete a formal questionnaire ... at home'.

Less predictable, but perhaps encouragingly, there was a strong association between those respondents that explicitly identified the EPDS questionnaire and those that completed the questionnaire at home.

There was also an association between not being aware of being screened at all and being told that "it was the baby blues and would soon pass".