Last Updated 17 March 2026
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a brief postnatal depression test with 10 questions, widely used to spot postnatal depression symptoms and anxiety in parents after childbirth. This screening tool helps highlight when additional postnatal depression counselling or support might be needed, based on your EPDS score.
Postnatal depression can affect all parents; including mothers, fathers, and adoptive or non-birth parents. Anyone who is finding things difficult after a baby can use the EPDS for postnatal depression help and early access to the right care.
The Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) identifies possible postnatal depression symptoms and anxiety in new parents. The EPDS score helps highlight whether someone may benefit from further support or assessment and is not used to make a diagnosis.
The EPDS score can range from 0 to 30, based on your responses to 10 questions. Here’s what the score ranges mean, with practical recommendations for each category:
Symptoms are unlikely to affect daily life. Continue monitoring and use self-care where needed.Â
Possible mild postnatal depression symptoms. Consider talking to a healthcare professional or accessing postnatal depression counselling.Â
Symptoms may affect well-being and family life. Seeking postnatal depression help from your GP or mental health service is advised.
High likelihood of clinical depression; urgent review is necessary. Speak to your GP, midwife, or mental health team immediately. If thoughts of self-harm are present, use urgent support resources.
The Edinburgh postnatal depression scale is intended for monitoring, not for a formal diagnosis, follow-up with a qualified professional is always recommended for any concerning score. Repeating the test over time or whenever symptoms change can provide helpful insights and prompt timely postnatal depression support.
Using the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale helps catch postnatal depression symptoms early and supports the well-being of families. Around 1 in 10 parents may need help with postnatal depression, and early screening with this postnatal depression test can lead to better recovery and access to postnatal depression counselling. The condition is treatable; prompt use of the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale makes a positive difference for parents and children.
The Edinburgh postnatal depression scale is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. An EPDS score highlights possible postnatal depression symptoms but always needs a professional’s input for next steps. Repeat the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale if your mood changes, and seek postnatal depression help or postnatal depression counselling whenever you have concerns. Use this postnatal depression test alongside advice from your healthcare provider, not as a substitute for it.Â
If your Edinburgh postnatal depression scale score is high or you have thoughts of self-harm, get help straight away. Speak to your GP, midwife, or health visitor for urgent postnatal depression help. National UK helplines include:Â
NHS Mental Health Services​
116 123 (free, 24/7)​
0808 196 1776​Â
0300 123 3393
020 7386 0868​Â
Local support groups and talking therapies (CBT, DBT, Psychodynamic, MBCT, Narrative Therapy) are also available through Therachange and NHS organisations specialising in postnatal depression counselling. Always use the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale as a prompt to reach out for the help you deserve.
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The Edinburgh postnatal depression scale is a 10-question postnatal depression test completed by parents during or after pregnancy. Questions focus on mood, anxiety and self-harm thoughts over the past week. Responses create an EPDS score which flags possible postnatal depression symptoms and guides next steps for help.
Any parent or carer worried about their mood after childbirth can use the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale for postnatal depression help. It’s commonly used at least once after birth, often at 6–12 weeks, and repeated when symptoms change.
A high EPDS score means you may need further assessment and support for postnatal depression symptoms. Your healthcare team can offer advice, postnatal depression counselling, and specialist mental health referrals.
Results from the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale are treated confidentially by NHS and healthcare providers. Only professionals directly involved in your care will see your EPDS score or postnatal depression test answers, ensuring privacy and support.Â
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