Do you have Postpartum Depression?

The EPDS consists of 10 questions. The test can usually be completed in less than 5 minutes. Responses are scored 0, 1, 2, or 3 according to increased severity of the symptom. Items marked with an asterisk (*) are reverse scored (i.e., 3, 2, 1, and 0). The total score is determined by adding together the scores for each of the 10 items. Validation studies have utilized various threshold scores in determining which women were positive and in need of referral. Cut-off scores ranged from 9 to 13 points. Therefore, to err on safety’s side, a woman scoring 9 or more points or indicating any suicidal ideation – that is she scores 1 or higher on question #10 – should contact the Postpartum Support Network (info@postpartumsupportnetwork.org or via phone at 321-223-1013) to be connected with local resources that can help). 

Note: The EPDS is only a screening tool. It does not diagnose depression – that is done by appropriately licensed health care personnel. 

Instructions for Users

• The mother is asked to underline (or select) 1 of 4 possible responses that comes the closest to how she has been feeling the previous 7 days. 
• All 10 items must be completed. 
• Care should be taken to avoid possibility of the mother discussing answers w/others.
• The mother should complete the scale herself, if possible.
• If the mother scores a "9" or above, it is suggested that they (of their family member) contact the Postpartum Support Network for help.

Please select the answer which comes closest to how you have felt IN THE PAST 7 DAYS, not just how you feel today.

In the past 7 days, I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things

• As much as I always could
• Not quite so much now
• Definitely not so much now
• Not at all

Things have been getting on top of (bothering) me:

• Yes, most of the time I haven’t been able to cope at all
• Yes, sometimes - I haven’t been coping as well as usual
• No, most of the time I have coped quite well
• No, have been coping as well as ever

I have looked forward with enjoyment to things

• As much as I ever did
• Rather less than I used to
• Definitely less than I used to
• Hardly at all

*I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping

• Yes, most of the time
• Yes, sometimes
• Not very often
• No, not at all

*I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things

went wrong

• Yes, most of the time
• Yes, some of the time
• Not very often
• No, never

*I have felt sad or miserable

• Yes, most of the time
• Yes, quite often
• Not very often
• No, not at all

I have been anxious or worried for no good reason

• No, not at all
• Hardly ever
• Yes, sometimes
• Yes, very often

*I have been so unhappy that I have been crying

• Yes, most of the time
• Yes, quite often
• Only occasionally
• No, never

*I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason

• Yes, quite a lot
• Yes, sometimes
• No, not much
• No, not at all

*The thought of harming myself has occurred to me

• Yes, quite often
• Sometimes
• Hardly ever
• Never

Again, if you score a "9" or higher, please feel free to contact the Postpartum Support Network for help. You can reach us at info@postpartumsupportnetwork.org or via phone at 321-223-1013. 

Source: 

EDINBURGH POSTNATAL DEPRESSION SCALE (EPDS)

J. L. Cox, J.M. Holden, R. Sagovsky

From: British Journal of Psychiatry (1987), 150, 782-786.