Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)

A brief, validated screening tool for depression and anxiety during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The EPDS was developed by Cox, Holden & Sagovsky (1987) and is in the public domain. It is used worldwide in clinical and research settings — and it’s meant to be a starting point, not a diagnosis.

Who this is for: Anyone who is currently pregnant, has recently given birth, or is in the first year postpartum. Partners and family members who are concerned about a loved one can also use it as a conversation starter with a healthcare provider.

AI-assisted content — clinician review required. The clinical context on this page was assembled with AI assistance. The EPDS items themselves are the original, published instrument. This is a screening tool and does not replace professional evaluation.

Completely private.This screening runs entirely in your browser. Your answers and score are never sent to a server — “Save to this device” keeps them in this browser’s local storage only.

Please select the answer that comes closest to how you have felt in the past 7 days, not just how you feel today.

I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things.
I have looked forward with enjoyment to things.
I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong.
I have been anxious or worried for no good reason.
I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason.
Things have been getting on top of me.
I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping.
I have felt sad or miserable.
I have been so unhappy that I have been crying.
The thought of harming myself has occurred to me.

Learn more

Postpartum depressionWhat it is, how it differs from baby blues, and how it's treated. Postpartum anxietyThe racing thoughts, the constant worry — it's treatable. Perinatal mental health hubAll conditions, NH resources, and support for the whole family. Postpartum wellness planTurn your result into a concrete support plan — private, on this device. NH perinatal providersA curated list of the perinatal support that actually exists in NH. Find support near youFour questions, matched to perinatal support in your region.

Meridian Mental Health

Clinical screening form

For clinical use — retain with the record

EPDS — Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

Please select the answer that comes closest to how you have felt in the past 7 days, not just how you feel today.

Client name

Date of birth

Date administered

Clinician

Meridian does not collect client-identifying information on screen — complete this section by hand.

1. I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things.
As much as I always couldNot quite so much nowDefinitely not so much nowNot at all
2. I have looked forward with enjoyment to things.
As much as I ever didRather less than I used toDefinitely less than I used toHardly at all
3. I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong.
Yes, most of the timeYes, some of the timeNot very oftenNo, never
4. I have been anxious or worried for no good reason.
No, not at allHardly everYes, sometimesYes, very often
5. I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason.
Yes, quite a lotYes, sometimesNo, not muchNo, not at all
6. Things have been getting on top of me.
Yes, most of the time I haven’t been able to cope at allYes, sometimes I haven’t been coping as well as usualNo, most of the time I have coped quite wellNo, I have been coping as well as ever
7. I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping.
Yes, most of the timeYes, sometimesNot very oftenNo, not at all
8. I have felt sad or miserable.
Yes, most of the timeYes, quite oftenNot very oftenNo, not at all
9. I have been so unhappy that I have been crying.
Yes, most of the timeYes, quite oftenOnly occasionallyNo, never
10. The thought of harming myself has occurred to me. *
Yes, quite oftenSometimesHardly everNever

* Item 10 asks about self-harm thoughts — see the safety note below.

* Safety-flagged item

A response above 0 on the marked item warrants a direct safety assessment (ideation, plan, intent, access to means) regardless of the total score. If risk is imminent, call or text 988, or call 911.

Total score / 30

Severity

(0/10 answered on screen — score by hand)

Severity key
Score	Severity	Guidance
0–8	Low likelihood	Your score is in the range where depression is unlikely based on this screen. The transition to parenthood is still a significant adjustment, and it’s healthy to keep checking in with yourself. If anything changes or you start feeling unlike yourself, re-take this screen or talk to your provider.
9–11	Possible concern	Your score suggests some symptoms that deserve attention. This doesn’t mean you have a diagnosis — but it is a signal to keep monitoring how you’re feeling and to consider talking with your OB, midwife, or primary care provider. Many people find it helpful to retake the screen in a week or two to see if things are shifting.
12–13	Likely concern	Your score is in the range where perinatal depression or anxiety is fairly likely. This is not your fault, it’s treatable, and you deserve support. We’d strongly encourage you to schedule a conversation with your healthcare provider — whether that’s your OB, midwife, primary care, or a therapist. Effective treatments exist, and earlier intervention tends to go better.
14–30	Clinical assessment recommended	Your score is above the threshold where clinical assessment is strongly recommended. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth — they are medical conditions, not personal failures, and they respond well to treatment. Please reach out to your healthcare provider, or call the Postpartum Support International helpline at 1-800-944-4773 (call or text). You don’t have to feel this way, and you don’t have to do this alone.

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. The EPDS is in the public domain. This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis.

This form is a scoring aid, not a diagnosis. A score alone never establishes or rules out a clinical diagnosis — interpret alongside clinical judgment. Printed Aug 20, 2026 from Meridian Mental Health.

If your score concerns you

A score of 10 or above — or any endorsement of self-harm thoughts on question 10 — is a signal to talk to your healthcare provider. Perinatal mood disorders are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, and they respond well to treatment. You are not alone.

988 Crisis Lifeline PSI Helpline NH Rapid Response All crisis resources Get matched to perinatal support near you