EPDS and Other Postpartum Depression Screening Tools, Explained
You've probably been handed a form with ten questions at a check up. Here's what the EPDS actually is, how it's scored, and what your result does and doesn't mean.
EPDS and other postpartum depression screening tools, explained
Postpartum recovery isn't only about stitches healing, bleeding settling, or your body getting stronger. Your emotional wellbeing matters too.
The EPDS, or Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is one of the most widely used screening tools for postpartum depression, and is commonly used as part of postnatal care in many countries, including around the six-week postpartum check. However, whether it is routinely offered varies across countries and healthcare settings.
Here's what it is, how it works, and what your result does and doesn't tell you.
What the EPDS actually is
EPDS stands for the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. It's a set of 10 questions about how you've been feeling over the past seven days, things like whether you've been able to laugh and see the funny side of things, whether you've felt worried or scared for no clear reason, and whether you've felt so unhappy that you've had trouble sleeping.
- It takes about 5 minutes
- You answer it yourself, there's no right or wrong answer, just the one closest to how you've actually felt
- It was developed in 1987, specifically for women during pregnancy and after birth, not adapted from a general depression test
Why it's different from a general depression questionnaire
Most depression tests ask about sleep, appetite and energy. After having a baby, all three of those change anyway, so a general test could flag a mother as depressed simply because she's exhausted and getting up at night, which isn't fair or accurate.
The EPDS was built with this in mind. It leans more on mood, guilt, anxiety and how overwhelmed you're feeling, rather than physical symptoms that become your new normal with a newborn.
How the score works
Each question is scored from 0 to 3, so the total can range from 0 to 30. A higher score means more of these feelings were present over the past week.
Not all mental health professionals use the exact same cutoff. Many use a score of around 10 as a signal that it's worth a closer conversation, and a score of 13 or higher as a stronger signal that depression is likely present. Some settings use a slightly different line. There isn't one universal number, which is one more reason the score is a starting point for a conversation, not a verdict.
One question matters more than the rest. The last question asks about thoughts of harming yourself. If you circle anything other than never on that one, that's worth telling whoever gave you the form immediately, not waiting for the appointment to end or for a follow up call.
What it doesn't do
The EPDS screens. It doesn't diagnose. A high score means it's worth talking to someone further, not that you definitely have postpartum depression. A low score doesn't rule everything out either, if something still feels off to you, that's worth mentioning even if your form came back fine.
Other tools you might come across
- PHQ-9, a general depression questionnaire sometimes used alongside or instead of the EPDS
- GAD-7, which screens for anxiety specifically, often given together with the EPDS since anxiety and depression frequently show up together after birth
- A five-minute recovery assessment, like the one on our own site, which looks at your wellbeing more broadly, not just mood
None of these replace a conversation with a professional. They're tools to help start one.
Why filling it in honestly is worth it
It's tempting to answer the way you think you're supposed to, especially if a nurse or doctor is standing there waiting. But the form only helps if your answers reflect how the week has actually gone, even on the days that were harder to admit.
When to seek additional support
Whatever your score comes back as, it's worth speaking to a professional directly if:
- Low mood or numbness has lasted more than two weeks
- You feel disconnected from your baby or from yourself
- Persistent hopelessness isn't lifting
- You've had thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
- Day to day functioning feels impossible
None of this means you're failing. It means it's time for support.
India-specific mental health helplines
If you need immediate support, you can reach out to:
| Organisation | Phone |
|---|---|
| Kiran Mental Health Helpline | 1800-599-0019 |
| AASRA | +91-9820466627 |
| iCALL (TISS) | 9152987821 |
| Sneha | 044-24640050 |
You do not need to be in crisis to make one of these calls. Reaching out early counts too.
Questions people ask
What is the EPDS?
The EPDS, or Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, is a 10-question screening tool used to check for symptoms of postpartum depression and emotional distress. It asks how you have been feeling over the past seven days and takes about five minutes to complete.
What does my EPDS score mean?
The EPDS score ranges from 0 to 30. A higher score means more of the feelings asked about were present during the past week. Different professionals may use different cut-offs, so the score is best understood as a starting point for a conversation, not a diagnosis.
Is the EPDS a diagnosis for postpartum depression?
No. The EPDS is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. A high score means you may need a closer assessment or conversation with a professional. A low score also does not automatically mean everything is fine if you are still struggling.
What happens if I score high on the EPDS?
4. What happens if I score high on the EPDS? A high score does not mean that you definitely have postpartum depression. It is a reason to talk to a mental health professional who can understand your symptoms and situation more fully.
How is the EPDS different from the PHQ-9?
The EPDS was developed specifically for pregnancy and the postpartum period. It focuses more on mood, guilt, anxiety and feeling overwhelmed, while general depression questionnaires such as the PHQ-9 also include physical symptoms such as sleep, appetite and energy.