depression is prevalent Postpartum among adolescent mothers. This study suggests notonly thatthe is a valid tool for postpartum depression screen ng among adolescent mothers but that its briefer subscales may also be effec tive screening tools in clinical practice. With a wider recognition of the high frequency of postpartum depression among teenage mothers and increasing evidence of the deleterious effects of depression on maternal postpartum and child health, routine screening as part of postpartum care is essential whether in the obstetric provider's office or the pediatrician's office. The findings of this study inform the process of most accurately, effec tively, and efficiently identifying ado escent mothers at high risk for ostpartum depression by using cur- rently available screening instru ments.