Mental Health

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)

10-item screening for new and expectant mothers. Private and confidential.

The EPDS is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, developed by Cox, Holden and Sagovsky, for women during pregnancy and after childbirth. It asks how you have felt over the past seven days — not just today. It is a screening questionnaire that shows whether your feelings should be discussed with a doctor or midwife; it cannot diagnose depression. If you have any thoughts of harming yourself, please contact your doctor, midwife or the helpline listed below the same day.

  1. I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things. (As much as I always could, Not quite so much now, Definitely not so much now, Not at all)
  2. I have looked forward with enjoyment to things. (As much as I ever did, Rather less than I used to, Definitely less than I used to, Hardly at all)
  3. I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong. (Yes, most of the time, Yes, some of the time, Not very often, No, never)
  4. I have been anxious or worried for no good reason. (No, not at all, Hardly ever, Yes, sometimes, Yes, very often)
  5. I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason. (Yes, quite a lot, Yes, sometimes, No, not much, No, not at all)
  6. Things have been getting on top of me. (Yes, most of the time I haven't been coping, Yes, sometimes I haven't been coping as well, No, most of the time I have coped quite well, No, I have been coping as well as ever)
  7. I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping. (Yes, most of the time, Yes, sometimes, Not very often, No, not at all)
  8. I have felt sad or miserable. (Yes, most of the time, Yes, quite often, Not very often, No, not at all)
  9. I have been so unhappy that I have been crying. (Yes, most of the time, Yes, quite often, Only occasionally, No, never)
  10. The thought of harming myself has occurred to me. (Yes, quite often, Sometimes, Hardly ever, Never)

What your score means

0-8 — Low concern. Your answers suggest low concern this week. Keep talking to someone you trust, and retake this if you start feeling worse.

9-11 — Possible mild depression. Some signs of low mood. Talk to your midwife, nurse or OB/GYN at your next contact, and retake this in two weeks.

12-30 — Possible depression. Your answers suggest depression is possible. Please contact your doctor, midwife or health visitor this week. This is common, it is treatable, and asking for help is the right step.

Question 10 — any answer other than "Never" — Self-harm flag — act today. If you answered anything other than "Never" to the question about thoughts of harming yourself, the result is shown in red whatever your total is. Please contact your doctor, your midwife or the helpline listed on this page the same day. Do not wait for your next appointment, and do not stay alone.

Frequently asked questions

Is the EPDS a diagnosis of postnatal depression?

No. It is a screening questionnaire. It indicates whether your feelings need a proper assessment; only a qualified doctor or midwife can diagnose depression.

When should I see a doctor or midwife?

Contact them this week if your score is 12 or more, and the same day if you have had any thought of harming yourself or your baby, or if you feel unable to care for yourself or your baby.

Can I use this while I am still pregnant?

Yes. It was made for both pregnancy and the period after childbirth. Answer about how you have felt over the past seven days.

Are my answers private?

Yes. Nothing is saved unless you are signed in and choose to save the result to your own history. Your answers are never sold or shared.

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