The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale or EPDS is a screening questionnaire, not a medical diagnosis. The results will only provide you with an indication of symptoms. You should complete the EPDS checklist with your GP, psychologist or mental health professional to assess postnatal depression and other perinatal mental health issues. If you use this tool by yourself, you should speak with your GP, psychologist or another mental health professional if:
- your score is higher than ten,
- you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or
- something does not feel right.
You can also call the PANDA Helpline on 1300 726 306.
Answer the following questions by selecting the option that best represents how you have felt in the past seven days—not just how you feel today.
Free Postnatal Depression Self-Assessment
In the past seven days:
Source: Cox JL, Holden JM, Sagovsky R (1987) Detection of postnatal depression: development of the 10-item Edinburgh postnatal depression scale. Brit J Psychiatry 150: 782-86. Developed as the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and validated for use in both pregnancy and the postnatal period to assess for possible depression and anxiety.
