EPDS Calculator

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale consists of ten distinct questions, labeled Item 1 through Item 10. Each question addresses a specific symptom experienced over the past seven days, such as the ability to laugh, feelings of anxiety, self-blame, or panic. Responses are scored on a scale from 0 to 3, depending on the severity of the symptom. The final score is calculated by finding the direct arithmetic sum of all individual item scores: Total = Item 1 + Item 2 + Item 3 + Item 4 + Item 5 + Item 6 + Item 7 + Item 8 + Item 9 + Item 10. The cumulative total ranges from 0 to 30, where higher scores point toward a greater likelihood of perinatal depressive symptoms.

Imagine a new mother completing the ten screening items to evaluate her emotional health over the past week. Her individual responses are recorded as follows: Item 1 = 1, Item 2 = 2, Item 3 = 1, Item 4 = 0, Item 5 = 2, Item 6 = 1, Item 7 = 2, Item 8 = 1, Item 9 = 2, and Item 10 = 1. To find the total EPDS score, we sum all ten values together: Total = 1 + 2 + 1 + 0 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 1, resulting in a final score of 13. Since a score of 13 or higher often indicates a possible depressive condition requiring clinical evaluation, this result serves as a helpful prompt to discuss her mental health openly with a healthcare provider.

Always answer the questionnaire based on how you have felt over the last seven days, rather than your general, long-term disposition. Keep in mind that this calculator is a preliminary screening instrument and does not replace a formal medical diagnosis from a licensed healthcare professional. If you or someone you know experiences thoughts of self-harm during any point on Item 10, reach out for emergency medical assistance or a crisis helpline immediately.