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Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) Test

Understand your risk for depression or anxiety during pregnancy or after birth in about 2 minutes. A brief 10-item screen supports quick follow-up and early care when it matters most.

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Questions: 102 minutes

Hi! My name is Freudly, i am an AI therapist, I will give you an interpretation of the test after you complete it.

08:30

October 2, 2025

October 2, 2025
Material has been updated

October 2, 2025
Material has been published

17,404 views

1,728 completions

1,022 likes

Verified by Daniel Hall

Psychologist with 25 years of experience

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How the Scales are Structured

example score

17/30

Postnatal Depressive Symptoms (PDS)

Measures the severity of depressive symptoms over the past week in the perinatal period using a 10-item self-report scale.

Within typical range

Elevated symptoms

0 – 10: Within typical range | 11 – 30: Elevated symptoms

A score of 17 falls in the elevated symptoms range, indicating more pronounced depressive symptom levels over the past week compared with the typical range on this scale.

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DATA-BASED USER COHORTS

Who Usually Takes This Test?

New moms checking mood

44%OF USERS

Women in the first months after birth who want to understand whether low mood, anxiety, or irritability could signal postpartum depression.

Pregnant women monitoring emotions

36%OF USERS

Expectant mothers who notice mood changes during pregnancy and want a quick screen for depression or anxiety risk.

Clinicians doing quick screening

20%OF USERS

Midwives, OB-GYNs, and mental health providers using a brief questionnaire to decide if additional support or referral is needed.

BASED ON AGGREGATED, ANONYMIZED DATA FROM TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FREUDLY USERS.

RESULTS YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE

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Insights

Get insights on behavioral and thought patterns you might not notice on your own. By uncovering subtle connections between your responses, you’ll better understand what may be driving your current results.

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Used in 52+ countries

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See How You Compare

Once you complete the test, your results are compared with real-world data from people in your country.
Below is a preview of how scores are typically distributed across each scale.

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)

Average

17.4

Normal range

13 — 21.7

min.

max.

Majority

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.

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CLEAR ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this questionnaire screen for?

It screens for symptoms of depression and anxiety during pregnancy and the postpartum period. It helps identify individuals who may need further assessment or support.

What time period should responses reflect?

Answer based on how things have felt over the past 7 days. Select the option that best matches typical experiences during that week.

How long does it take and what is included?

It includes 10 self-report items and usually takes about 2 minutes. Each item uses a short set of response options.

How should the score be interpreted?

Scores indicate the level of risk and do not confirm a diagnosis. A higher score suggests the need for follow-up with a qualified clinician.

Are the results fully validated in this version?

This version does not have an officially validated adaptation. Results should be treated as a screening indicator and interpreted with caution.

WHAT THE TEST MEASURES

About This Assessment

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) Test - Symptoms and Signs

pregnancy depression motherhood

Emotional distress during pregnancy and the postpartum period may be difficult to identify without structured screening. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a brief self-report measure designed to screen for depressive symptoms during the perinatal period. It was developed by Cox, Holden, and Segovsky.

The instrument consists of 10 items rated with reference to the past week and is typically completed in about 2 minutes. Scores are used to estimate the likelihood of clinically significant symptoms and to inform whether additional assessment is indicated; it is not intended to serve as a standalone diagnostic tool.

In clinical and preventive care settings, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) can support early identification of individuals who may benefit from further evaluation, monitoring, or referral. Interpretation should consider the respondent’s clinical context and the linguistic and cultural appropriateness of the version administered.

Author: Cox, J., Holden, J., Segovsky, R.

Literature: Cox, J. L., Holden, J. M., & Sagovsky, R. Detection of postnatal depression: Development of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. British Journal of Psychiatry. 1987.

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