EPDS
Calculate your Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score. Free online screening tool for postnatal depression with 10 questions, instant scoring, and severity interpretation.
Please select the answer that comes closest to how you have felt in the past 7 days, not just how you feel today.
About This Calculator
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) Calculator is a free online screening tool designed to help identify individuals who may be experiencing symptoms of postnatal depression (also known as postpartum depression). Developed by Cox, Holden, and Sagovsky in 1987 and published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, the EPDS is one of the most widely used and validated screening instruments for perinatal mental health worldwide.
The EPDS consists of 10 self-report questions that assess how a person has been feeling over the past 7 days. It covers both anhedonia-related items (ability to laugh, look forward to things) and depressive symptoms (self-blame, anxiety, fear, sleep difficulties, sadness, crying, and thoughts of self-harm). Each item is scored on a 4-point scale from 0 to 3, yielding a total score between 0 and 30. A score of 10 or above suggests possible depression, while a score of 13 or above indicates probable depression requiring professional evaluation. Any positive response to item 10 (regarding self-harm) warrants immediate clinical attention regardless of the total score.
The EPDS is validated for use during pregnancy (antenatal) and the postnatal period (up to 12 months after childbirth). It is used routinely by general practitioners, obstetricians, midwives, psychiatrists, and community health nurses in countries including the United Kingdom, United States, India, Australia, and Canada. The tool is available in over 50 languages and is recommended by the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Indian Psychiatric Society for routine perinatal depression screening.
How the Score Is Interpreted
Score 0-9: Unlikely depression. Indicates depressive symptoms are probably absent. If persistent distress is felt, follow-up monitoring is still advisable.
Score 10-12: Possible depression. Suggests a moderate probability of depressive illness. Further clinical assessment by a healthcare professional is recommended to determine if treatment is needed.
Score 13-30: Likely depression. Indicates a high probability of depressive illness of varying severity. Professional help should be sought promptly. Effective treatments including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and antidepressant medication (SSRIs) are available.
Item 10 (Self-harm): Any score above 0 on this item triggers a clinical alert. Immediate suicide risk assessment and appropriate safety planning are essential. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of self-harm, please contact a crisis helpline or emergency services immediately.
Regional Notes
India: Postnatal depression affects an estimated 12-22% of Indian mothers. The EPDS has been validated in Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Marathi, and several other Indian languages. Help is available through the iCall mental health helpline (9152987821), AASRA (9820466726), or by consulting a psychiatrist at any government or private hospital.
United States: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends screening for perinatal depression at least once during the perinatal period using a validated tool such as the EPDS. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (1-833-943-5746) provides free 24/7 support. Private insurance plans cover mental health screening under the Affordable Care Act.
United Kingdom: NICE guidelines recommend that healthcare professionals consider using the EPDS or PHQ-9 to screen for perinatal depression. The Association for Postnatal Illness (0207 386 0868) and the National Childbirth Trust provide peer support. The NHS offers talking therapies through the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) program, including perinatal-specific services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)?
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a 10-item self-report screening tool developed by Cox, Holden, and Sagovsky in 1987 to identify individuals who may be experiencing postnatal depression. It takes about 5 minutes to complete and is widely used by healthcare professionals worldwide for routine postnatal screening.
How is the EPDS scored?
Each of the 10 questions on the EPDS is scored from 0 to 3 based on the severity of symptoms over the past 7 days. Items 1, 2, and 4 assess positive feelings (ability to laugh, look forward, cope with anxiety) while items 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 assess negative feelings (self-blame, fear, sleep difficulty, sadness, crying, self-harm). The total score ranges from 0 to 30.
What does my EPDS score mean?
A score of 0-9 suggests depression is unlikely. A score of 10-12 indicates possible postnatal depression and further assessment by a healthcare professional is recommended. A score of 13 or above suggests probable postnatal depression — professional help should be sought promptly. Additionally, any positive response to item 10 (self-harm thoughts) warrants immediate clinical attention regardless of the total score.
Is the EPDS only for use after childbirth?
While the EPDS was originally developed for postnatal screening, it has also been validated for use during pregnancy (antenatal depression screening) and is sometimes used to screen for depression in non-postnatal populations. However, its primary validation and most common clinical use remains for identifying postnatal depression in the first year after childbirth.
Can I rely on this calculator for diagnosis?
No. This EPDS calculator is for educational and reference purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The EPDS is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A comprehensive clinical evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional is necessary for a formal diagnosis of postnatal depression.
What is postnatal depression and how common is it?
Postnatal depression (also called postpartum depression) is a mood disorder that affects approximately 10-15% of new mothers within the first year after childbirth. Symptoms include persistent low mood, lack of energy, loss of interest or pleasure, anxiety, sleep difficulties, feelings of guilt, excessive crying, and, in severe cases, thoughts of harming oneself or the baby. It is treatable with psychotherapy, medication, or both.
What should I do if my EPDS score is high?
If your EPDS score suggests possible or likely depression (10 or above), or if you answered positively to item 10 about self-harm, please reach out to a healthcare professional. Options include your primary care doctor, a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or a maternal mental health specialist. In the UK, you can speak to your GP or health visitor. In India, you can consult a psychiatrist or use mental health helplines. In the US, contact your OB-GYN, primary care provider, or the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline. Crisis support is available 24/7.
What is the difference between baby blues and postnatal depression?
Baby blues refer to mild mood changes, tearfulness, and anxiety that typically begin a few days after childbirth and resolve within two weeks without treatment. Postnatal depression is more severe and persistent, lasting longer than two weeks and interfering with daily functioning. Symptoms of postnatal depression may include a persistent low mood, loss of interest in the baby, excessive crying, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of self-harm. Unlike baby blues, postnatal depression requires professional treatment.