Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

If you are either pregnant or have recently had a baby, we want to know how you feel. Please place a CHECK MARK (✔) by the answer that comes closest to how you have felt IN THE PAST 7 DAYS—not just how you feel today. Complete all 10 items and find your score by adding each number that appears in parentheses (#) by your checked answer. This is a screening test; not a medical diagnosis. If something doesn’t seem right, call your health care provider regardless of your score.

1. I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things.
(0) As much as I always could.  
(1) Not quite so much now.
(2) Definitely not so much now.
(3) Not at all.

2. I have looked forward with enjoyment to things.
(0) As much as I ever did.
(1) Rather less than I used to.
(2) Definitely less than I used to.
(3) Hardly at all.

3. I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong.
(3) Yes, most of the time.
(2) Yes, some of the time.
(1) Not very often.
(0) No, never.

4. I have been anxious or worried for no good reason.
(0) No not at all.
(1) Hardly ever.
(2) Yes, sometimes.
(3) Yes, very often. (OVER)

5. I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason.
(3) Yes, quite a lot.
(2) Yes, sometimes.
(1) No, Not much.
(0) No, not at all.

6. Things have been getting on top of me.
(3) Yes, most of the time I haven't been able to cope at all.
(2) Yes, sometimes I haven't been coping as well as usual.
(1) No, most of the time I have coped quite well.
(0) No, I have been coping as well as ever.

7. I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping.
(3) Yes, most of the time.
(2) Yes, sometimes.
(1) Not very often.
(0) No, not at all.

8. I have felt sad or miserable.
(3) Yes, most of the time.
(2) Yes, quite often.
(1) Not very often.
(0) No, not at all.

9. I have been so unhappy that I have been crying.
(3) Yes, most of the time.
(2) Yes, quite often.
(1) Only occasionally.
(0) No, never.

10. The thought of harming myself has occurred to me.
(3) Yes, quite often.
(2) Sometimes.
(1) Hardly ever.
(0) Never.

Scores
0-9 : Scores in this range may indicate the presence of some symptoms of distress that may be short lived and are less likely to interfere with day to day ability to function at home or at work. However if these symptoms have persisted more than a week or two further inquiry is warranted.
10-11 : Scores within this range indicate presence of symptoms of distress that may be discomforting. Repeat the EDS in 2 weeks time and continue monitoring progress regularly. If the scores increase to above 12 assess further and consider referral as needed.
12 +: Scores above 12 require further assessment and appropriate management as the likelihood of depression is high. Referral to a psychiatrist/psychologist may be necessary.