Validated for use by pregnant women and new mothers.
Source: J. L. Cox, J.M. Holden, R. Sagovsky, EPDS,British Journal of Psychiatry, June 1987
As you have recently had a baby, we would like to know how you are feeling. Please check the box next to the answer which comes closest to how you have felt IN THE PAST 7 DAYS, not just how you feel today.
This form is best viewed in landscape on phones.
| 1. I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things.
As much as I ever did |
2. I have looked forward with enjoyment to things.
As much as I always could |
| 3. *I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong.
Yes, most of the time |
4. I have been anxious or worried for no good reason.
No, not at all |
| 5. *I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason.
Yes, quite a lot |
6. *Things have been getting on top of me.
Yes, most of the time I haven’t been coping as well |
| 7. *I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping.
Yes, most of the time |
8. *I have felt sad or miserable.
Yes, most of the time |
| 9. *I have been so unhappy that I have been crying.
Yes, most of the time |
10. *The thought of harming myself has occurred to me.
Yes, quite often |
Scoring the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale
Responses are scored 0, 1, 2 and 3 according to increased severity of symptoms (for example, in question 1, “As much as I always could” is scored as 0; “Not at all” is scored as 3).
Questions marked with an asterisk are reverse scored (for example, in question 3, “Yes, most of the time” is scored as 3; “No, never” is scored as 0). The total score is calculated by adding together scores for each of the ten questions (see the New Mother Questionnaire Scoring Sheet).
A score of 12 or higher indicates possible depression.
Limits of this scale
The EPDS will not detect mothers with postpartum panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder or postpartum psychosis. New mothers are at risk of obsessive-compulsive disorder (3-5 percent of new mothers); postpartum panic disorder (up to 10 percent); and postpartum psychosis (.1 percent).
Important note
This questionnaire is provided for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for consulting with a health professional. Even if an individual’s score on the questionnaire is below 12 it is very important to consult with a primary care doctor or a mental health professional if there are concerns.
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September 13, 2019