Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)

Source:Cox,J.L, Holden, J.M, and Sagovsky, R. 1987. Detection of postnatal depression: Development of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnaltal Depression Scale. British Journal of Psychiatry 150:782-786


Patient name
Date:
Baby's Date of Birth:

As you are pregnant or have recently had a baby, we would like to know how you are feeling. Please check the answer that comes closest to how you have felt IN THE PAST 7 DAYS, not just how you feel today.Here is an example, already completed.
I have felt happy: Yes, all the time Yes, most of the time No, not very often No, not at all
This would mean: "I have felt happy most of the time" during the past week. Please complete the following questions in the same way.

IN THE PAST 7 DAYS:
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 able to cope at all Yes, sometimes I haven't been coping as well as usual 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



Instructions - How to Score the EPDS

Maximum score: 30

Possible depression: 10 or greater

Always look at item 10 (suicidal thoughts)
Score Action
0-9 The score suggests the patient may not need depression treatment
10-13 Possible depression
>13 Likely to be suffering from a depressive illness
Instructions for using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale:
1. The mother is asked to check the response that comes closest to how she has been feeling in the previous 7 days.
2. All of the items must be completed.
3. Care should be taken to avoid the possibility of the mother discussing her answers with others. (Answers come from the mother or pregnant woman)
4. The mother should complete the scale herself, unless she has limited English or has difficulty with reading.
Helpful websites.
  • Depression after Delivery
  • National Womens's Health Information


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