Introduction to the EPDS: Postpartum Depression Screening
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
A 10-item screening tool for identifying symptoms of postnatal depression and emotional distress in the postpartum period and late pregnancy
Brief overview of the EPDS Overview
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a brief and well-validated tool for screening postnatal depression and emotional distress in mothers. It consists of 10 items and usually takes less than 5 minutes to complete.
The EPDS is designed to identify mothers who, in the postpartum period (or late pregnancy), experience low mood, worry, guilt, or a loss of pleasure in life—and who may benefit from professional support.
What is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)? What is EPDS?
The EPDS was originally developed to assess depressive symptoms in the postnatal period, but it is now used more broadly to detect a wider range of emotional difficulties, including anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed.
Its items cover experiences such as enjoyment and happiness, guilt, worry and irrational fears, sadness, and—in a sensitive way—thoughts of self-harm. The focus is on how the mother has felt in the past week, not across her entire life.
- Instrument type: 10-item self-report questionnaire
- Main domain: postnatal depression and emotional distress after childbirth
- Typical use: initial screening in health centers, hospitals, maternity and midwifery services, and counseling settings
What does the EPDS measure and who is it for? Domains & Target Group
The EPDS is primarily designed for mothers in the postnatal period, but in some contexts it is also used in late pregnancy. It indirectly assesses:
- Low mood, sadness, and feelings of worthlessness
- Reduced enjoyment of activities that used to feel pleasurable
- Guilt, self-blame, and feeling “not good enough” in the role of mother
- Anxiety, worry, and tension related to the baby and new responsibilities
- Thoughts about self-harm or a lack of motivation to go on living
Applications of the EPDS Applications
The EPDS is used as a screening tool in many healthcare systems worldwide:
- Early identification of mothers who may be experiencing postnatal depression or anxiety
- Monitoring changes in mood during the first months after the baby is born
- Guiding referrals to psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, or support programs
- Research on maternal mental health, risk and protective factors, and outcomes for families
How is the EPDS administered? Administration
The EPDS consists of 10 questions. For each item, the mother indicates how much she has experienced that thought or feeling during the past week.
- Number of items: 10
- Response format: 4-option scale (for example from “almost never” to “most of the time”)
- Administration: self-report; can be completed on paper or online
- Estimated time: around 3–5 minutes
Before you complete the EPDS Before You Start
- Try to answer the questions in a relatively calm space with as few interruptions as possible.
- Focus on your thoughts and feelings over the past week, not just today or a single difficult day.
- There are no “right” or “wrong” answers; what matters is that your responses match your real experience.
- You do not need to appear “strong”; being honest about difficulties is the first step toward getting support.
- If answering the questions feels upsetting, take a short break and consider talking to someone you trust.
Interpreting EPDS scores Interpretation
In the EPDS, responses are summed to produce a total score. Higher scores indicate a higher likelihood of postnatal depression and a stronger need for further assessment.
Many guidelines suggest “cut-off” points for different levels of risk. However, these cut-offs must always be considered alongside the mother’s life circumstances, physical health, social support, and other stressors.
It is crucial to remember that the EPDS is not a definitive diagnostic tool. It is designed for screening and for identifying women who may benefit from conversation and professional help.
- A high score does not mean you have “failed” or are “weak”; it reflects the amount of pressure you are under.
- If your score is high or you report thoughts of harming yourself, seeking prompt professional support is strongly recommended.
- Recovery from postnatal depression is often very possible, especially when symptoms are taken seriously and treated early.
Key emotional domains captured by the EPDS Emotional Map
You can think of the EPDS as a compact map of a mother’s emotional life after childbirth across a few main axes:
Frequently asked questions about the EPDS FAQ
No. The EPDS is a screening instrument, which means it helps identify women who may be at risk of postnatal depression. A final diagnosis can only be made after a full clinical assessment by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other qualified professional.
The EPDS is most often used in the first weeks and months after birth, but it can also be helpful later. In some healthcare systems, it is administered regularly—for example, at routine postnatal check-ups—to monitor how mothers are feeling over time.
A high score is a signal that you shouldn’t face this alone. It is important to talk with a mental-health professional, doctor, or midwife. Many mothers report significant improvement once they receive appropriate support—seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but of caring for yourself and your baby.
Yes, the EPDS can be completed online. However, if your result is worrying or you feel distressed while completing it, it is highly recommended that you talk with a professional and treat the result as the beginning of a conversation, not the end of it.
In fact, the opposite is true: talking openly about these thoughts in a safe setting is one of the most protective things you can do. Many mothers have such thoughts but feel too ashamed or afraid to share them. Bringing them into a professional, caring conversation can be a crucial step toward safety and support.
Ethical considerations when using the EPDS Ethical Considerations
- Your responses should be kept confidential and used only to support your wellbeing.
- Results must never be used to blame, judge, or label you as a “bad” mother.
- Completing the questionnaire should be voluntary; you can stop at any time if you feel uncomfortable.
- If answers indicate self-harm thoughts, this should trigger timely and compassionate follow-up by a professional.
- Any research use of the EPDS must involve informed consent and follow ethical guidelines for working with parents and families.
Further reading and research on the EPDS References
For more information about the EPDS and its psychometric properties, you can consult:
- Original articles introducing the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and validating its use.
- Research on the prevalence of postnatal depression and associated risk and protective factors.
- Scientific databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar for up-to-date studies on the EPDS.
In both clinical and research settings, it is crucial to use a validated translation, consider cultural norms and norms for scoring, and have clear referral protocols in place when scores are elevated.
Start the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) Take the Test
If you would like a clearer picture of your mood and emotional wellbeing after childbirth, you can complete the EPDS and see whether it may be helpful to talk with a professional and access further support.
Start the EPDS test