PMH-C Assessment and Screening 2

Question 1

A postpartum patient scores 13 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Which action is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Conduct a full clinical assessment and create a safety plan

Answer

An EPDS score of 13 or above indicates likely depression and warrants a thorough clinical assessment including safety planning.

Question 2

Which EPDS item specifically screens for suicidal ideation?

Accepted Answer

Item 10 — thoughts of self-harm

Answer

Item 10 of the EPDS asks directly about thoughts of harming oneself and must always be reviewed regardless of total score.

Question 3

The GAD-7 is most commonly used in perinatal settings to screen for which condition?

Accepted Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

The GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale) is validated to screen for generalized anxiety disorder in perinatal populations.

Question 4

A clinician is assessing a pregnant patient at 28 weeks with a history of childhood trauma. Which screening tool is most appropriate for PTSD?

Accepted Answer

PC-PTSD-5

Answer

The Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) is a brief, validated tool appropriate for identifying PTSD in perinatal primary care settings.

Question 5

When is the optimal time to administer the EPDS during the postpartum period for best clinical utility?

Accepted Answer

At the 2-week and 6-week postpartum visits

Answer

Administering the EPDS at both the 2-week and 6-week visits maximizes detection because perinatal depression can emerge at different time points.

(PMH-C) Perinatal Mental Health Certification Practice Test