Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score Calculator
Screen for postnatal depression using the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Formula
EPDS Total = Sum of 10 Items (each scored 0-3) | Range: 0-30
Each of the 10 questions is scored 0 to 3 based on symptom frequency over the past 7 days. Items 1 and 2 are reverse-scored (positive experiences). A total score of 13 or above indicates probable depression. Question 10 about self-harm requires independent clinical attention regardless of the total score.
Worked Examples
Example 1: High-Risk Postnatal Screening
Problem: A mother 6 weeks postpartum scores: Q1=2, Q2=2, Q3=2, Q4=2, Q5=2, Q6=2, Q7=1, Q8=2, Q9=1, Q10=1.
Solution: Total Score = 2+2+2+2+2+2+1+2+1+1 = 17\nThreshold for probable depression: 13\nScore 17 > 13: Likely Depression\nSelf-harm item (Q10) = 1: FLAGGED - requires immediate assessment\nAnxiety subscale (Q3+Q4+Q5) = 6/9\nDepression subscale (Q1+Q2+Q7+Q8+Q9) = 8/15\nCoping (Q6) = 2/3
Result: EPDS Score: 17/30 | Risk: Likely Depression | Self-Harm: FLAGGED | Urgent clinical assessment recommended
Example 2: Normal Postpartum Adjustment
Problem: A mother 8 weeks postpartum scores: Q1=0, Q2=0, Q3=1, Q4=1, Q5=0, Q6=1, Q7=0, Q8=0, Q9=0, Q10=0.
Solution: Total Score = 0+0+1+1+0+1+0+0+0+0 = 3\nThreshold for probable depression: 13\nScore 3 < 10: Low Risk\nSelf-harm item (Q10) = 0: No concern\nAnxiety subscale = 2/9\nDepression subscale = 0/15\nCoping = 1/3
Result: EPDS Score: 3/30 | Risk: Low | Self-Harm: None | Continue routine screening
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and who developed it?
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, commonly abbreviated as EPDS, is a 10-item self-report questionnaire designed to screen for postnatal depression in women who have recently given birth. It was developed in 1987 by John Cox, Jeni Holden, and Ruth Sagovsky at health centers in Edinburgh and Livingston, Scotland. The scale was specifically created because existing depression screening tools contained somatic symptoms like fatigue and appetite changes that overlap with normal postpartum experiences, leading to high false-positive rates. The EPDS focuses on emotional and cognitive symptoms of depression, making it more appropriate for the postnatal period. It has since been validated in over 60 languages and is used worldwide as the standard screening tool for perinatal mental health assessment in both clinical practice and research settings.
How does the EPDS compare to other depression screening tools?
The EPDS was specifically designed for the perinatal population, giving it important advantages over general depression screeners like the PHQ-9 or Beck Depression Inventory. General tools include somatic items such as sleep disturbance, appetite changes, fatigue, and concentration difficulties that are common normal experiences in pregnancy and postpartum, leading to inflated scores and false positives. The EPDS avoids these confounders by focusing on emotional and cognitive symptoms. Studies comparing the EPDS to the PHQ-9 in perinatal populations show that the EPDS has comparable sensitivity of around 80 to 86 percent but better specificity of 78 to 87 percent because it produces fewer false positives. The PHQ-9 remains useful as a complementary tool for severity assessment once depression is suspected. Some clinics use both the EPDS for screening and the PHQ-9 for monitoring treatment response.
How common is postnatal depression and what are the risk factors?
Postnatal depression affects approximately 10 to 20 percent of women in the first year after giving birth, making it one of the most common complications of childbirth. Major risk factors include a personal or family history of depression or anxiety, depression or anxiety during pregnancy, lack of social support, relationship difficulties, stressful life events during pregnancy or postpartum, previous pregnancy loss, traumatic birth experience, and infant health problems. Socioeconomic factors including financial stress, young maternal age, and unplanned pregnancy also increase risk. Biological factors include hormonal fluctuations after delivery, sleep deprivation, and thyroid dysfunction. Women with multiple risk factors have a cumulative probability of developing postnatal depression that can exceed 40 percent. Early identification through screening programs like the EPDS allows timely intervention that can significantly improve outcomes for both mother and child.
Is my data stored or sent to a server?
No. All calculations run entirely in your browser using JavaScript. No data you enter is ever transmitted to any server or stored anywhere. Your inputs remain completely private.
Does Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score Calculator work offline?
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