Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale
This free, confidential EPDS screening helps identify symptoms of perinatal depression and anxiety during pregnancy and up to 12 months postpartum.
It is not a diagnosis, but it gives families a clearer starting point and a faster path to support.
About This Screening
The EPDS is a validated 10-question screening tool designed to identify symptoms of perinatal depression and anxiety in mothers during pregnancy and up to 12 months postpartum. This self-assessment takes approximately 5 minutes to complete.
Important Information
This screening is not a diagnosis. It helps identify mothers who may benefit from further evaluation by a healthcare professional. If you score high or are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, please seek immediate professional help.
Need Immediate Help?
Your Results
0
out of 30
Complete the screening
Next Steps
Regardless of your score, if you're struggling, please reach out for support. Eagle-X Impact Foundation offers:
- Mental health screening and referrals to licensed professionals
- Financial assistance for 3-6 therapy sessions (when funding available)
- Follow-up coordination and crisis resource information
- Connection to community mental health resources
Contact us: services@eagleximpact.tech or (346) 242-3200
You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone
Wings of Care provides free home cleanings, therapy access, and care packages to mothers in need — regardless of your score.
About the EPDS
What it Measures
- Symptoms of perinatal depression
- Anxiety and worry patterns
- Ability to cope with daily stressors
- Sleep disturbances related to mood
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Thoughts of self-harm (critical indicator)
When to Use
- During pregnancy (antenatal screening)
- At 6 weeks postpartum (routine screening)
- At 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum
- Anytime you're concerned about mood changes
- Before and after starting treatment
- As recommended by your healthcare provider
Validated & Trusted
The EPDS was developed in 1987 by Cox, Holden, and Sagovsky and has been validated in numerous studies worldwide.
- Used in over 50 countries
- Translated into 60+ languages
- Recommended by ACOG and AAP
- Sensitivity: 86%, Specificity: 78%
Privacy & Confidentiality
This online screening tool:
- Does not store your responses
- Calculates scores locally in your browser
- Does not collect personal information
- Cannot identify you personally
- Complies with HIPAA privacy standards
- You control whether to share results
Clinical Interpretation Guidelines
Score Ranges & Recommendations
0-9: Minimal or No Depression
Continue routine monitoring. Provide education about perinatal mental health.
10-12: Possible Depression
Repeat screening in 2 weeks. Consider referral for further assessment if score persists or worsens.
13-30: Probable Major Depression
Refer for comprehensive psychiatric evaluation and treatment. Consider immediate intervention if score ≥20.
Question 10 (Any score >0): IMMEDIATE ACTION
Positive response to self-harm question requires immediate risk assessment regardless of total score. Do not leave patient alone. Contact mental health crisis team or emergency services.
Important Clinical Notes:
- The EPDS is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument
- Scores ≥10 should prompt clinical interview and further assessment
- Question 10 is the most critical indicator requiring immediate follow-up
- Questions 3, 4, and 5 can indicate anxiety (subscale score ≥6 suggests anxiety disorder)
- Cultural and language considerations may affect interpretation
- Use clinical judgment in conjunction with screening results
- Document screening results, clinical assessment, and follow-up plan in medical record
Additional Resources
SAMHSA
National helpline and treatment locator
1-800-662-4357 (HELP)
Citation: Cox, J.L., Holden, J.M., and 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 and may be freely used for clinical and research purposes.