Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

How to use it

1. 1

   Self-reported or clinician-administered. Covers last 7 days. Can be completed in waiting room.

2. 2

   Threshold ≥10 = probable PND. Sensitivity ~86%, specificity ~78% for major depression.

3. 3

   Q10 is critical. Any score > 0 on Q10 (self-harm): immediate risk assessment regardless of total score.

When to use it

6–8 week postnatal check

NICE NG192: EPDS recommended for PND screening at 6–8 weeks.

Antenatal screening

EPDS also validated in pregnancy (use 12 cutoff antenatally).

3–4 month visit

PND peaks 3–6 months postpartum; repeat screening improves detection.