What risk factor could indicate the presence of undiagnosed bipolar disorder in postpartum women?

A positive screening on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at a score greater than 10 is significant in identifying postpartum mood disorders, including the potential for undiagnosed bipolar disorder. This is because the EPDS is designed to screen for depressive and anxiety symptoms in postpartum women, and a higher score suggests a more severe level of distress.

In the context of bipolar disorder, especially in the postpartum period, women may present with depressive symptoms that may lead to a misdiagnosis if not assessed thoroughly. A score above 10 indicates the possibility of a depressive episode, which could be part of a broader bipolar spectrum disorder. It is essential for clinicians to be vigilant and consider bipolar disorder when they see elevated scores, particularly if there is a history of mood swings or mood disorders prior to or during pregnancy.

Other factors, such as high blood pressure, involvement in physical activity, or consistent sleep patterns, do not specifically indicate the presence of undiagnosed bipolar disorder. High blood pressure may be related to stress or other health issues, physical activity typically has a positive impact on mental health, and consistent sleep patterns are usually considered a sign of stable mental health. Therefore, option B is the most relevant indicator for assessing the risk of undiagnosed