Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was developed to help health care providers identify mothers who suffer from postnatal depression and anxiety disorder (which can occur in the first week after giving birth).
Studies show that postnatal depression affects at least 10% of women and that many mothers with depression do not receive adequate treatment.
The scale can be used 6-8 weeks after birth or during pregnancy. The mother marks the answer that most closely matches how she has felt during the past 7 days.
This is a screening test, not a medical diagnosis.
Test
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, sometimes
Not very often
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 often
Yes, sometimes
No, not much
No, not at all
6. Things have been getting on top of me.
Yes, most of the time
Yes, sometimes I haven't been coping as well as usual
No, most of the time I have coped quite wel
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
Not at all
8. I have felt sad or miserable.
Yes, most of the time
Yes, quite often
Not very often
Not at all
9. I have been so unhappy that I have been crying.
Yes, most of the time
Yes, quite often
Only occasionally
Never
10. The thought of harming myself has occurred to me.
Yes, quite often
Sometimes
Hardly ever
Never
Result:
Total score: points
Interpretation
Total score (range: 0-30 points): mothers who score more than 13 points are most likely suffering from depression and should seek medical help.
The scale shows how the mother felt during the previous week, and it may be helpful to repeat the scale after two weeks. A thorough clinical evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.
