How do I know if I have a problem?
Self-assessment tool
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is a set of questions designed to see if a new mother may have depression. The answers will not provide a diagnosis - for that you need to see a doctor or other health professional. The answers will tell you however, if you, or someone you know, has symptoms that are common in women with postnatal depression.
If you have concerns that you, or someone you know has postnatal depression, please consult a doctor.
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale
(Cox, Holden and Sagovsky, British Journal of Psychiatry, 1987)
To complete this set of questions, mothers should circle the number next to the response which comes closest to how they have felt in the past seven days.
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I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things
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I have looked forward with enjoyment to things
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I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong
No, never Not very often Yes, some of the time Yes, most of the time
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I have been anxious or worried for no good reason
No, not at all Hardly ever Yes, sometimes Yes, very often
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I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason
No, not at all No, not much Yes, sometimes Yes, quite a lot
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Things have been getting on top of me
No, I have been coping as well as ever No, most of the time I have coped quite well Yes, sometimes I haven't been coping as well as usual Yes, most of the time I haven't been able to cope at all
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I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping
No, not at all Not very often Yes, sometimes Yes, most of the time
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I have felt sad or miserable
No, not at all Not very often Yes, quite often Yes, most of the time
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I have been so unhappy that I have been crying
No, never Only occasionally Yes, quite often Yes, most of the time
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The thought of harming myself has occurred to me
Never Hardly ever Sometimes Yes, quite often
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Please answer each question before proceeding.
Your score was and indicates that you are in the category of
Calculate your score
The total score is calculated by adding together the numbers you circled for each of the 10 items. The higher the score, the more likely it is that the person completing the questionnaire is distressed and may bedepressed.
Results
0 - 8
Scores in this range suggest that there are no significant symptoms of depression. However if you are having thoughts of self harm on question 10, you should seek medical attention.
9 – 12
Scores within this range indicate the presence of symptoms of distress that may be discomforting. We suggest that you repeat the test in 1- 2 weeks time. If you receive the same or a higher score you should consult your general practitioner about those symptoms or ask your health provider to refer you to a mental health specialist.
13+
Scores 13 and above require further evaluation and possible referral to a perinatal mental health specialist.
If you have had ANY thoughts of harming yourself, please tell your GP, Early Childhood Nurse or your midwife today.
If you would like to take a copy of this test to your GP, please click here (PDF print version)
Please note that this self-test is not intended to be a substitute for professional clinical advice. You should always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you might have regarding your mental health.
Scores provide only a rough guide as to whether a woman has postnatal depression. For a full diagnosis, it is crucial to see a doctor.