EPDS Calculator
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale - Screen for postpartum depression
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale
Instructions
Please select the answer that comes closest to how you have felt in the past 7 days, not just how you feel today. All 10 questions must be answered for an accurate assessment.
1. I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things
2. I have looked forward with enjoyment to things
3. I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong
4. I have been anxious or worried for no good reason
5. I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason
6. Things have been getting on top of me
7. I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping
8. I have felt sad or miserable
9. I have been so unhappy that I have been crying
10. The thought of harming myself has occurred to me
EPDS Score Interpretation
0-9 points: Low likelihood of postnatal depression
10-12 points: Possible postnatal depression - professional consultation recommended
13+ points: High likelihood of postnatal depression - immediate professional help needed
Any self-harm response: Urgent evaluation required regardless of total score
Understanding EPDS Scoring
Scoring Method
Regular scoring: Questions 1, 2, and 4 are scored 0-3 (where 0 is the best response)
Reverse scoring: Questions 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 are scored 3-0 (where 3 becomes 0 points)
Total: Sum all adjusted scores for final EPDS score (0-30 range)
When to Seek Help
• Score above 9-10: Consider professional consultation
• Score above 12-13: Strong indication for professional evaluation
• Any thoughts of self-harm: Immediate professional help needed
• Persistent symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks
About EPDS
Postnatal Screening
Specifically designed for new mothers
Validated Tool
Developed by Cox et al., widely used
Quick Assessment
Takes only 5 minutes to complete
Crisis Resources
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988
24/7 crisis support
Postpartum Support International
1-944-4-HELPLINE
Specialized postnatal support
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
24/7 text support
Postnatal Depression Facts
Affects 10-15% of new mothers annually
Different from "baby blues" which last ~2 weeks
Can occur anytime in the first year postpartum
Highly treatable with proper care
Early detection improves outcomes
Understanding Postnatal Depression & EPDS
What is Postnatal Depression?
Postnatal depression (also called postpartum depression) is a mood disorder that affects new mothers, typically occurring within the first year after childbirth. It's different from the "baby blues" which are milder and shorter-lasting.
Common Symptoms
- •Persistent sadness or low mood
- •Loss of interest in activities
- •Excessive anxiety or worry
- •Difficulty bonding with baby
- •Sleep difficulties unrelated to baby's schedule
- •Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
About the EPDS
Key Features
- 10 questions about feelings in past 7 days
- Self-administered screening tool
- 5-minute completion time
- 0-30 point scoring range
Treatment Options
- Counseling/Therapy: CBT, interpersonal therapy
- Support Groups: Peer support and education
- Medication: Antidepressants (safe during breastfeeding options available)
- Lifestyle Changes: Exercise, nutrition, sleep hygiene
- Partner/Family Support: Education and involvement
Remember: Postnatal depression is common and highly treatable. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Risk Factors
Biological
- • Hormonal changes after birth
- • Previous history of depression
- • Family history of mental health issues
- • Pregnancy complications
Psychosocial
- • Lack of social support
- • Relationship problems
- • Financial stress
- • Unplanned pregnancy
Getting Help
Immediate Help Needed If:
- • Thoughts of harming yourself or baby
- • Unable to care for yourself or baby
- • Severe anxiety or panic attacks
- • Hallucinations or delusions
Who Can Help
- • Primary care physician
- • OB/GYN or midwife
- • Mental health professional
- • Support groups and hotlines