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Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) Calculator

Score the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale for pregnancy or after birth — total 0–30, the 10 and 13 cut-offs, the self-harm item and the EPDS-3A anxiety subscale.

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

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How it works

EPDS = sum of 10 items scored 0–3 (items 3 and 5–10 are reverse-ordered on the form); range 0–30. Score ≥ 10 possible depression · ≥ 13 probable depression · any score above 0 on item 10 needs same-day safety assessment. EPDS-3A = items 3 + 4 + 5 (≥ 6 suggests anxiety).

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (Cox, Holden and Sagovsky, 1987) is a 10-question self-report screen for depression in pregnancy and the year after birth, also validated for partners. The mother answers how she has felt over the past 7 days. Scores of 13 or more indicate probable depression and 10 or more possible depression; the questionnaire does not diagnose depression or measure its severity, so a positive screen leads to clinical assessment. Item 10 asks about self-harm and must always be checked separately, whatever the total.

Worked example

Answers of 1, 1, 2, 2, 1, 2, 1, 1, 1 and 0 add up to an EPDS score of 12 / 30 — possible depression, so the screen is repeated in 2–4 weeks with a low threshold for referral. The anxiety subscale (items 3–5) is 2 + 2 + 1 = 5, below the cut-off of 6, and item 10 is 0.

Sources: Cox JL, Holden JM, Sagovsky R. Detection of postnatal depression: the 10-item EPDS. Br J Psychiatry 1987 · Matthey S. Using the EPDS to screen for anxiety disorders (EPDS-3A). Depress Anxiety 2008

Frequently asked questions

What EPDS score means postpartum depression?

A score of 13 or more suggests probable depression and 10–12 possible depression. Neither is a diagnosis: a clinician confirms depression with an interview. Some services use a cut-off of 10 or 11 during pregnancy to avoid missing cases.

Why does question 10 matter on its own?

Question 10 asks about thoughts of self-harm. Any answer other than “Never” calls for an immediate conversation about safety, regardless of the total score.

Can the EPDS be used during pregnancy or by fathers?

Yes. It is validated in pregnancy (antenatal depression) and has been used with partners, usually with slightly lower cut-offs for fathers.

How often should the EPDS be repeated?

Many programmes screen at least once in pregnancy and again around 6–8 weeks after birth, and repeat it 2–4 weeks later when the score is borderline.

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A screening questionnaire, not a diagnosis — only a qualified clinician can diagnose. If you or someone you care for is having thoughts of self-harm, contact emergency services or a crisis line now.