Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) self-test
The EPDS is a 10-question screening tool for depression after childbirth, and also used in pregnancy. Your answers stay in your browser, and it cannot diagnose you.
Last updated 2 November 2026
What the EPDS measures
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was developed to help health workers notice depression in the weeks and months after childbirth, and it is also used during pregnancy. Instead of asking about physical symptoms that new parents often have for other reasons, such as tiredness and disturbed sleep, it focuses on mood, enjoyment, worry, panic and thoughts of self-harm over the past seven days. Scores run from 0 to 30.
What this test cannot do
The EPDS is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. A high score does not prove depression, and a low score does not rule it out, especially if you are hiding how you feel. It does not separate depression from anxiety, thyroid problems after birth, anaemia or postpartum psychosis, a rare emergency in which a mother may hear voices, be confused or have beliefs that are not true. Only a clinician can sort these out.
Your answers stay with you. The questions are scored in your browser. Nothing you select is saved, sent to Mindly or shared with anyone. If you close the page, your answers are gone.
Take the EPDS
How to read your score
Scores run from 0 to 30. Higher scores mean more symptoms in the period asked about. After you submit, this page shows your score and its main marker only. For a fuller explanation of what it means for you, and what to do next, please reach out to our team.
| Score | Main marker |
|---|---|
| 0-9 | Depression less likely |
| 10-12 | Possible depression |
| 13-30 | Depression likely |
What to do next
A score alone cannot tell you what is going on, so this page does not interpret it for you. To understand what your answers mean and what could help, please reach out to our team, who can talk it through and arrange a free pre-consultation call if you would like one. If you answered above zero on the question about harming yourself, please speak to someone today: call 112 or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Related reading and care
- Postpartum depression
- Women's mental health
- Depression
- Hindi-speaking clinicians for depression
- Helplines and resources in India
- All self-tests
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was developed by Cox, Holden and Sagovsky (1987). It is reproduced here with attribution, for screening and information.
Book your free pre-consultation call
Your privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Can fathers or partners take the EPDS?
The scale was designed for mothers. Partners can also feel depressed after a birth, and a clinician can discuss other tools. If you are worried about a partner, encourage them to talk to a clinician.
Is feeling low after delivery normal?
Many mothers have a short spell of tearfulness in the first days. Low mood that lasts beyond two weeks, or that is severe at any time, needs attention.
What if I have thoughts of harming myself or my baby?
Please speak to someone today. Call 112 or Tele-MANAS on 14416, or go to the nearest hospital. If a mother is confused, hearing voices or very agitated after birth, it is an emergency.
Why does the result show only a score and a marker?
A questionnaire score cannot tell you what is going on without a conversation. To get the full picture, please reach out to our team, who can talk it through with you.
Will Mindly see my answers?
No. The questions are scored in your browser and nothing is sent, saved or tracked.
References
Mindly Health is not an emergency service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. For free support at any hour, call Tele-MANAS on 14416.