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Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale: how have you felt in the past 7 days?

Answer the ten questions of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, used during pregnancy and after birth to screen for depression and anxiety.

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Results

EPDS score

8 / 30

Below 10: depression unlikely; repeat the test if you still feel low
Anxiety subscale (questions 3 to 5)
4 / 9
Questions about self-blame, worry and panic

This calculator is for general information and education. It is not medical advice and does not replace the judgment of a doctor, nurse or pharmacist who knows the full clinical picture.

Why screen for perinatal depression?

Depression affects roughly one in seven women during pregnancy or in the year after birth. It is more than the baby blues, which fade within two weeks, and it can affect the parent, the baby and the whole family. It is also very treatable. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), developed by Cox, Holden and Sagovsky in 1987, is the most widely used screening questionnaire for it.

How the EPDS works

The EPDS has 10 questions about the past 7 days. Each answer scores from 0 to 3, for a total from 0 to 30. Some questions are reverse-scored, so the order of the answers matters; the calculator handles this for you. Questions 3, 4 and 5, about self-blame, anxiety and panic, form an anxiety subscale.

Interpreting the score

  • Below 10: depression is unlikely, but repeat the questionnaire if you still feel low.
  • 10 to 12: possible depression; talk to your doctor, midwife or nurse and repeat the test in two weeks.
  • 13 or more: probable depression; see a health professional soon for an assessment.

Question 10, about thoughts of harming yourself, matters on its own. Any answer other than never means you should talk to someone today. In the US, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 in an emergency.

Example

A new parent whose answers add up to 8, with an anxiety subscale of 4, is below the threshold for depression, but should mention persistent worry at their next checkup.

Getting help

The EPDS is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Talking therapies, support groups and, when needed, medication compatible with breastfeeding all work well. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends screening at least once during the perinatal period, and pediatricians often screen at well-baby visits. Partners can experience perinatal depression too, and can use the EPDS as well.

Frequently asked questions

What is the EPDS?

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is a 10-question self-report screening tool used during pregnancy and in the year after birth. Each answer scores 0 to 3, for a total of 0 to 30.

What score suggests postpartum depression?

Common cut-offs are 10 or more for possible depression and 13 or more for probable depression. A score below 10 makes depression unlikely, but any score above zero on question 10 needs attention.

Why is question 10 important on its own?

It asks about thoughts of self-harm. Any answer other than never means you should talk to someone today. In the US you can call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 in an emergency.

Can fathers and partners use the EPDS?

Yes, it has been validated in fathers, though a slightly lower cut-off is often suggested. Partners also experience perinatal depression, and it is just as treatable.

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Results are estimates provided for information purposes. They do not replace professional advice.

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