Take the EPDS test
In the past 7 days — not just how you feel today — mark the answer that comes closest to how you have been feeling. Please answer all 10 questions.
Your EPDS result
How the EPDS is scored
Each of the 10 items scores 0–3. Items 1, 2 and 4 are scored directly: the first answer option counts as 0, the last as 3. Items 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are reverse-scored: the first option counts as 3, the last as 0. The total ranges from 0 to 30.
| Score | Band | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 0–9 | Below screening threshold | Score is below the EPDS screening cutoff |
| 10–12 | Possible depression | Score of 10 or higher suggests possible depression |
| 13–30 | Likely depression | Score of 13 or higher suggests likely depression |
Always look at item 10 (thoughts of harming yourself): any answer other than “Never” deserves caring attention, whatever the total score.
Frequently asked questions
What is the EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale)?
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a 10-question screening questionnaire developed by Cox, Holden and Sagovsky (1987) to identify parents at risk of perinatal depression. You rate how you have felt over the past 7 days, and each answer scores 0 to 3, giving a total score from 0 to 30. It is a screening tool, not a diagnosis: a careful clinical assessment is needed to confirm any diagnosis.
How is the EPDS scored? Which items are reverse-scored?
Each of the 10 items scores 0, 1, 2 or 3. Items 1, 2 and 4 are scored directly: the first answer option counts as 0 and the last as 3. Items 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 are reverse-scored: the first answer option counts as 3 and the last as 0. Add all 10 item scores together to get the total, which ranges from 0 to 30. Our calculator applies this scoring automatically.
What do EPDS scores mean? What are the cutoffs?
The maximum EPDS score is 30. A score of 10 or higher suggests possible depression and warrants a conversation with a healthcare professional. A score of 13 or higher suggests likely depression of varying severity. Scores of 9 or below are below the screening threshold, though the scale should not override clinical judgment, and repeating it after about 2 weeks can help in doubtful cases.
What should I do if my EPDS score is 10 or higher?
A score of 10 or more is a prompt to talk with your doctor, midwife, obstetrician or a mental health professional, not a diagnosis of depression. Many effective treatments and forms of support exist for perinatal depression, and reaching out early tends to help. Bring your EPDS answers to the appointment so the clinician can review them with you.
What does item 10 of the EPDS mean, and what if I answer yes to it?
Item 10 asks whether the thought of harming yourself has occurred to you. Any answer other than 'Never' deserves kind, serious attention, whatever your total score is. Please reach out to a trusted person and contact your doctor, midwife or a crisis helpline in your country right away. Answering honestly on item 10 is a sign of courage, and support is available.
Is the EPDS a diagnosis of postpartum depression?
No. The EPDS is a screening instrument: it identifies people who may be at risk so they can get a proper clinical assessment. Only a qualified clinician can diagnose depression. The original authors state explicitly that the EPDS score should not override clinical judgment.
How is the EPDS different from the PHQ-9 depression questionnaire?
The EPDS is purpose-built for the perinatal period: its questions are worded for pregnancy and new parenthood, it asks about the past 7 days, and its cutoffs are 10 and 13 out of 30. The PHQ-9 measures depression in the general adult population over the past 2 weeks, with different questions and cutoffs out of 27. They are complementary tools for different contexts, not duplicates.
Who can take the EPDS? Is it only for mothers after birth?
The EPDS was developed for postnatal mothers but is widely used more broadly in the perinatal period, including during pregnancy and by partners or fathers. It asks about feelings over the previous 7 days and all items should be completed for a valid score.
How accurate is the EPDS as a screening tool?
The EPDS is one of the most widely validated screening tools for perinatal depression and has been validated in many countries and languages. Sensitivity and specificity vary with the chosen cutoff and the population studied, which is exactly why clinical follow-up matters. The commonly used screening threshold is 10, with 13 indicating likely depression.
Can you show a worked EPDS scoring example?
Suppose someone answers (as option positions 1st to 4th per question): 1st, 2nd, 1st, 3rd, 2nd, 1st, 4th, 3rd, 2nd, 1st. Direct items 1, 2, 4 score 0, 1 and 2. Reverse items 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 score 3, 2, 3, 0, 1, 2 and 3. The item scores are 0, 1, 3, 2, 2, 3, 0, 1, 2, 3, which sum to 17. That is 13 or higher, so it falls in the 'likely depression' band, and item 10 scores 3, so the self-harm item deserves caring attention regardless of the total.