Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
Screen for perinatal depressive symptoms; requires clinical assessment
Reference information · Questionnaire
- Last content update
- 2026-10-26
- Clinical review
- Not independently reviewed
- Source jurisdiction
- See individual sources
- Coverage
- Questionnaire
| Field | Instrument context |
|---|---|
| Version | Original English 10-item EPDS; PhenX protocol 241401 |
| Population | Women during pregnancy or after childbirth; select the appropriate clinical administration context |
| Respondent | Self-report |
| Recall period | Previous 7 days |
| Purpose | Screen for perinatal depressive symptoms; requires clinical assessment |
A total does not establish individual item responses.
As you have recently had a baby, we would like to know how you are feeling. Please CHECK the answer which comes closest to how you have felt IN THE PAST 7 DAYS, not just how you feel today. Instructions for users: All 10 items must be completed. The mother should complete the scale herself unless she has limited English or difficulty reading. Avoid discussion of answers with others. The selected original form uses postnatal wording.
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale © Cox, J. L., Holden, J. M., & Sagovsky, R. (1987). Detection of postnatal depression: Development of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. British Journal of Psychiatry, 150, 782–786.
Responses stay in this page’s memory. Reset or leave the page to clear them. No patient identifiers are collected.
Interpretation & limitations
- PhenX recommends a complete clinical assessment at scores of 10 or more. Thresholds depend on population and clinical setting.
- Always review item 10 separately. Any endorsed self-harm response requires clinical follow-up regardless of the total.
- This screen does not confirm a diagnosis or establish safety.
- Use an established clinical response pathway; this questionnaire is not monitored for emergencies.
- Do not change the recall period or silently replace the original postnatal wording.
References · 1
- PhenX EPDS exact questions, response anchors, scoring, permission and source paper · PhenX states users may reproduce the scale without further permission provided the authors, title and source paper are quoted in every copy.