Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) self-test
The EPDS is a 10-question screening tool for depression after childbirth, and also used in pregnancy. Your answers stay in your browser, and it cannot diagnose you.
Last updated 8 November 2026
What the EPDS measures
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was developed to help health workers notice depression in the weeks and months after childbirth, and it is also used during pregnancy. Instead of asking about physical symptoms that new parents often have for other reasons, such as tiredness and disturbed sleep, it focuses on mood, enjoyment, worry, panic and thoughts of self-harm over the past seven days. Scores run from 0 to 30.
What this test cannot do
The EPDS is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. A high score does not prove depression, and a low score does not rule it out, especially if you are hiding how you feel. It does not separate depression from anxiety, thyroid problems after birth, anaemia or postpartum psychosis, a rare emergency in which a mother may hear voices, be confused or have beliefs that are not true. Only a clinician can sort these out.
Your EPDS answers stay in this browser. They leave it only if you choose, after seeing your result, to send it to our team with your contact details. Otherwise they disappear when you close the page.
Take the EPDS
About the EPDS
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was created in the 1980s by Cox, Holden and Sagovsky, who worked in Scotland with new mothers. Its ten questions leave out physical complaints such as tiredness and disturbed sleep, because these are expected after childbirth, and focus on mood, enjoyment, guilt and coping. It has since been used and adapted in many countries, and it can be used in pregnancy as well as after birth.
How to read your score
The EPDS gives a total from 0 to 30, and a higher total means more of the problem described in the questions. This page shows your total and one main marker. The detail that makes a score meaningful, such as which answers drove it, belongs in a conversation with our team.
| Score | Main marker |
|---|---|
| 0-9 | Depression less likely |
| 10-12 | Possible depression |
| 13-30 | Depression likely |
What to do next
The EPDS was designed for the weeks and months around birth, when tiredness and worry are normal and hard to tell from illness. A marker on this page cannot say whether you have postnatal depression, and a low marker does not mean you should keep struggling quietly. If you would like to talk to someone, reach out to our team and ask for a free pre-consultation call. If you have had thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please speak to someone now: call 112 or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Related reading and care
- Postpartum depression
- Women's mental health
- Depression
- Hindi-speaking clinicians for depression
- Helplines and resources in India
- All self-tests
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was developed by Cox, Holden and Sagovsky (1987). It is reproduced here with attribution, for screening and information.
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Common questions
Can fathers or partners take the EPDS?
The scale was designed for mothers. Partners can also feel depressed after a birth, and a clinician can discuss other tools. If you are worried about a partner, encourage them to talk to a clinician.
Is feeling low after delivery normal?
Many mothers have a short spell of tearfulness in the first days. Low mood that lasts beyond two weeks, or that is severe at any time, needs attention.
What if I have thoughts of harming myself or my baby?
Please speak to someone today. Call 112 or Tele-MANAS on 14416, or go to the nearest hospital. If a mother is confused, hearing voices or very agitated after birth, it is an emergency.
Why does the result show only a score and a marker?
A questionnaire score cannot tell you what is going on without a conversation. To get the full picture, please reach out to our team, who can talk it through with you.
Will Mindly see my answers?
No. The questions are scored in your browser and nothing is sent, saved or tracked.
References
Mindly Health is not an emergency service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416.