Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) 10 items

Please select the answer that comes closest to how you have felt in the past 7 days. This tool is for screening only and does not make a diagnosis.

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

Total score
Scores > 10 suggest minor or major depression may be present; further evaluation recommended.
Clinical note: Screening tools do not diagnose depression. Consider clinical context, safety assessment, and follow-up evaluation when indicated. Racing thoughts, psychotic symptoms (hallucinations/delusions), or a family history of bipolar disorder may suggest bipolar disorder and warrant additional assessment (e.g., MDQ).
Background, treatment options, and resources

Postpartum (postnatal) depression is major depression occurring after giving birth; symptoms are present most of the day and last at least 2 weeks.

The EPDS was developed to identify women who may have postpartum depression. Each item scores 0–3; maximum total is 30.

MDQ (bipolar screening): Available at integration.samhsa.gov (MDQ PDF).

Support groups: Postpartum Support International: postpartum.net

More resources (legacy links preserved):

References (legacy list)

1. Cox JL, Holden JM, Sagovsky R. Detection of postnatal depression. Development of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Br J Psychiatry. 1987;150:782-6. PMID:3651732

2. Cox JL, et al. A controlled study of the onset, duration and prevalence of postnatal depression. Br J Psychiatry. 1993;163:27-31. PMID:8353695

3. Sharma V, et al. Missed bipolarity and psychiatric comorbidity in women with postpartum depression. Bipolar Disord. 2008;10(6):742-7. PMID:18837870

4. Hirschfeld RM, et al. Mood Disorder Questionnaire validation. Am J Psychiatry. 2000;157(11):1873-5. PMID:11058490

5. Wisner KL. Onset timing, thoughts of self-harm, and diagnoses in postpartum women with screen-positive depression findings. JAMA Psychiatry. 2013;70(5):490-8. PMID:23487258

6. Altshuler LL, et al. Expert consensus guidelines. J Psychiatr Pract. 2001;7(3):185-208. PMID:15990522

7. Berle JO, Spigset O. Antidepressant use during breastfeeding. Curr Womens Health Rev. 2011;7(1):28-34. PMID:22299006

8. Yonkers KA, et al. Mood disorders in pregnant and postpartum women. Obstet Gynecol. 2011;117(4):961-77. PMID:21422871

DailyMed (legacy): Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Paroxetine (Paxil), Haloperidol (Haldol) links as in original page.

Educational use only. All calculations must be confirmed before use. The suggested results are not a substitute for clinical judgment. Please review the Disclaimer.