Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale EPDS

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale EPDS overview

Creator and Context

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a concise, self-administered questionnaire developed specifically to identify women at risk for postpartum depression. This 10-item scale is a widely recognised tool for its effectiveness in screening for perinatal depression.

The EPDS was created to address the need for a reliable, easy-to-use screening tool for postpartum depression, recognizing the high prevalence and potential impact of this condition.

Presenting Conditions

  • Postpartum depression.

  • General depression symptoms in pregnant and postpartum women.

  • Indicators of mood disturbances during the perinatal period.

Administration

The EPDS is a self-report scale. Respondents are asked to answer 10 questions that relate to their feelings over the past 7 days. Each item is scored on a scale of 0 to 3, based on the intensity or frequency of the symptoms.

Desired Audience

While primarily designed for postpartum and pregnant women, the EPDS is also applicable for broader use in screening for general depression in the adult population.

Pratical Application

Practical Application

  • The EPDS should be offered to all postpartum women as part of routine postnatal care.

  • Can be used during pregnancy to identify early symptoms of depression.

  • Useful in a variety of settings including obstetric clinics, primary care, and mental health services.

Considerations

  • The scale is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument.

  • Positive scores indicate the need for a full clinical assessment.

  • Cultural sensitivity is important in the interpretation of responses.

How to score the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale EPDS

Conducting the assessment

Participants respond to questions about their emotional and psychological state over the previous week, with responses indicating the severity or frequency of symptoms.

Interpretation

Scores range from 0 to 30. A higher score indicates a greater likelihood of depression. A cut-off score, often around 10 or 12, is used to identify those who may require further clinical evaluation.

Clinical Considerations

  • The EPDS should be administered in a supportive and private environment.

  • Follow up high scores with a comprehensive clinical assessment.

  • Consider the broader context of each individual's circumstances when interpreting results.

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale EPDS use cases

  • Routine screening in postnatal care.

  • Research in perinatal mental health.

  • General depression screening in the wider population.

Category

Depression

Research Summary

  • Cox, J. L., Holden, J. M., & Sagovsky, R. (1987). Detection of postnatal depression: Development of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. British Journal of Psychiatry, 150, 782-786.

  • Murray, D., & Cox, J. L. (1990). Screening for depression during pregnancy with the Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDDS). Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 8(2), 99-107.

Other Assessment Guides

Other Assessment Guides

Get in touch with our friendly team today.

Discover Tacklit and amplify the impact of your service

Book A Demo
Get in touch with our friendly team today.

Discover Tacklit and amplify the impact of your service

Book A Demo

Get in touch with our friendly team today.

Discover Tacklit and amplify the impact of your service

Book A Demo

Powering proactive, personalised, outcome-driven health care

Australia

St Kilda, Melbourne

We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of this nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.

United Kingdom

St Johns Court, Chester

Follow our socials

Partnering with

Powered by Tacklit.

Powering proactive, personalised, outcome-driven health care

Australia

St Kilda, Melbourne

We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of this nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.

United Kingdom

St Johns Court, Chester

Follow our socials

Partnering with

Powered by Tacklit.

Powering proactive, personalised, outcome-driven health care

Australia

St Kilda, Melbourne

We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of this nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work.

United Kingdom

St Johns Court, Chester

Follow our socials

Partnering with

Powered by Tacklit.