Which combination of assessments improves the distinction between unipolar and bipolar depression in women?

The combination of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is particularly effective in distinguishing between unipolar and bipolar depression in women. The MDQ is specifically designed to help identify symptoms of mania or hypomania, which are key indicators in diagnosing bipolar disorder. It assesses a range of symptoms, including mood swings and energy levels, that can differentiate bipolar depression from unipolar depression.

On the other hand, the EPDS is a widely used screening tool for perinatal depression that emphasizes depressive symptoms specifically in postpartum women. By combining the MDQ's focus on manic symptoms with the EPDS's evaluation of depressive symptoms experienced after childbirth, clinicians can obtain a more comprehensive view of a woman's mental health. This ensures that both sides of the mood spectrum—depressive and manic symptoms—are taken into account, leading to a more accurate diagnosis.

This combination is particularly effective in the context of perinatal mental health, where clear distinctions can be crucial for appropriate treatment planning. Other assessments listed might focus on either depressive symptoms or anxiety but do not provide the same level of clarity in identifying the manic aspects necessary for diagnosing bipolarity alongside depression in this specific population.