The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a widely validated screening tool used to identify individuals at risk for perinatal depression. It consists of 10 self-report items that assess mood, anxiety, and emotional well-being over the past seven days. This interactive calculator helps you quickly score the EPDS and interpret the result based on established clinical cutoffs.
Designed for healthcare professionals, researchers, and individuals tracking their emotional health during pregnancy or postpartum, this tool provides an immediate score along with a clear interpretation. It is not a diagnostic instrument but a screening aid — always consult a qualified provider for a full assessment. Use it as part of a broader mental wellness check, alongside other mindfulness and stress assessment tools.
📋 EPDS Screening Calculator
Rate each item based on how you have felt in the past 7 days. Select the option that best describes your experience.
How to Use This Tool
To complete the EPDS screening, simply select the response that best describes how you have felt over the past 7 days for each of the 10 items. Each item has four possible answers, scored from 0 to 3. After answering all questions, click the Calculate Score button to see your total score and an interpretation based on standard clinical cutoffs. Use the Reset button to clear all selections and start over.
Scoring & Interpretation
The total EPDS score ranges from 0 to 30. Higher scores indicate greater severity of depressive symptoms. The following cutoffs are widely used in clinical practice:
| Score Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 0 – 9 | Low risk — no significant depressive symptoms detected. Continue routine monitoring. |
| 10 – 12 | Borderline — possible depressive symptoms. Consider follow-up assessment or professional consultation. |
| 13 – 30 | High risk — significant depressive symptoms. Prompt professional evaluation is strongly recommended. |
Item 10 (thoughts of self-harm) is a critical indicator. Any score above 0 on this item warrants immediate attention, regardless of the total score. The calculator automatically flags this in the results.
Formula Explained
The EPDS is a simple additive scale. Each item is scored 0, 1, 2, or 3 based on the selected response. Items 1 and 2 are reverse-scored (the most positive response receives 0, the most negative receives 3). All other items are scored directly (0 for the least symptomatic, 3 for the most symptomatic). The total score is the sum of all 10 item scores. No weighting or transformation is applied.
Limitations & Important Notes
The EPDS has been validated for use during pregnancy and the postpartum period, but it may also be used in other perinatal contexts. It is not designed for general adult populations outside the perinatal period. Cultural and language adaptations exist; ensure you are using the version appropriate for your population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this tool for someone else? The EPDS is a self-report scale, but it can be administered by a healthcare professional in an interview format. If you are concerned about a loved one, encourage them to complete the scale themselves or seek professional help.
What should I do if my score is high? Contact your healthcare provider, a mental health professional, or a crisis helpline immediately. You are not alone — effective treatments are available.
How often should I take the EPDS? Clinical guidelines often recommend screening at the first prenatal visit, again in the third trimester, and at the postpartum checkup. Your provider may recommend more frequent monitoring if you have risk factors.
Is the EPDS free to use? Yes, the EPDS is in the public domain and can be used without permission. However, always cite the original source: 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.
Additional Resources
For more information on perinatal mental health, visit the Postpartum Support International website or the National Institute of Mental Health. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (in the US) to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.