Hong Life CalculatorsUnderstanding the EPDS calculator — concept and principle
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a 10-question screening questionnaire about mood in the past 7 days. It was designed for mothers after birth and is also used in pregnancy and by partners. Health visitors, midwives and doctors use it to decide who needs a fuller assessment.
How it is calculated
EPDS total = sum of the 10 answers, each scored 0–3 (0–30)
Anxiety sub-score = questions 3 + 4 + 5 (0–9)
- Several questions are reverse-scored, so the most worrying answer is not always listed first.
- Total 10 or more: possible depression. Total 13 or more: likely depression.
- Any answer other than "Never had this thought" on question 10 is flagged, whatever the total.
The principle
The questions avoid physical symptoms such as tiredness and poor sleep, which are common after any birth, and focus on enjoyment, self-blame, anxiety and sadness. In the 1987 validation, a cut-off of 12/13 identified most mothers with major depression, and 9/10 was suggested to catch more possible cases. Questions 3–5 cluster together as anxiety items.
Worked example
Default answers score 0, 1, 2, 2, 1, 1, 0, 1, 0, 0.
- Total = 0 + 1 + 2 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 0 + 1 + 0 + 0 = 8.
- 8 is below 10 → Depression unlikely on this screen.
- Anxiety items = 2 + 2 + 1 = 5.
- Question 10 = 0 → self-harm thoughts Not reported.
How to read the result
A score under 10 makes depression unlikely right now, but repeat the screen if you still feel low. A score of 10–12 is worth discussing with a doctor or midwife; 13 or more suggests depression and should be followed up soon. Services in different countries use slightly different cut-offs. Any thought of self-harm needs help today: Korea 109, US 988, UK Samaritans 116 123.
Common mistakes
- Answering about how you usually feel instead of the past 7 days.
- Assuming a low total is fine when question 10 is positive.
- Treating the score as a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
When is the EPDS usually done?
Often in pregnancy and at several points in the first year after birth, such as at routine check-ups.
Can fathers take the EPDS?
Yes. It has been validated in fathers and partners, though the best cut-off may differ.
What is the difference between baby blues and postnatal depression?
Baby blues are common and pass within about two weeks. Low mood that lasts longer or is severe may be depression.
How long does it take?
About five minutes.
Sources: Cox JL, Holden JM, Sagovsky R, "Detection of postnatal depression: development of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale", Br J Psychiatry 1987;150:782–786