How to Calculate Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

What is Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale?

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) Calculator scores 10 self-report items to screen for perinatal depression in pregnant and postpartum individuals, with each item scored 0-3 for a total range of 0-30.

Formula

EPDS Score = Sum of 10 items (each 0-3, items 3, 5-10 are reverse-scored); Range: 0-30; Cutoff: 10-13

TS: Total EPDS Score (points (0-30)) — Sum of all 10 items indicating depression symptom severity
Qi: Item Score (points (0-3)) — Individual item score from 0 (no symptom) to 3 (maximum severity)
Q10: Self-Harm Item (points (0-3)) — Item 10 specifically assesses thoughts of self-harm; any positive score requires immediate follow-up

Step-by-Step Guide

1Answer 10 questions about feelings in the past 7 days
2Each question is scored 0-3 based on symptom severity
3Items 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 are reverse-scored (3=most severe)
4Scores above 10-13 suggest possible depression; item 10 specifically screens for self-harm thoughts

Worked Examples

Input

New mother, 6 weeks postpartum, average item score of 1.5

Result

EPDS score: 15/30 — above the clinical cutoff of 13, indicating probable postnatal depression requiring clinical evaluation

Input

Pregnant individual, third trimester, average item score of 0.5

Result

EPDS score: 5/30 — below cutoff, low likelihood of perinatal depression at this time

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✕Failing to reverse-score items 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 where the response options are ordered from least to most severe
✕Ignoring item 10 (self-harm ideation) regardless of total score — any positive response on item 10 requires immediate clinical follow-up
✕Using only one cutoff point — the optimal cutoff varies (10 for major + minor depression, 13 for major depression only)

Frequently Asked Questions

When should the EPDS be administered?

ACOG recommends screening at least once during the perinatal period using a validated tool like the EPDS. Many clinicians screen at the first prenatal visit, third trimester, and 6-week postpartum visit.

Can the EPDS be used during pregnancy?

Yes. The EPDS is validated for use both during pregnancy (antenatal) and after delivery (postnatal). The same scoring and cutoff thresholds apply in both periods.

What if item 10 (self-harm) is endorsed?

Any positive response to item 10 ("The thought of harming myself has occurred to me") requires immediate clinical assessment for safety, regardless of the total EPDS score.

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