Postpartum Depression Quiz
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

postnatal depression


Take The Postpartum Quiz

Are You Suffering From Postnatal Depression?

If you have recently had a baby, you can use this quiz called the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS test) to check for signs of postpartum depression. This test is used by doctors to screen for postpartum depression (PDD). Please choose the answer that is most appropriate to how you have felt IN THE PAST 7 DAYS - not just how you feel today. Then add your scores together (the score is the number contained in brackets) and check the results area below to understand what it means for you.

Postpartum Depression Quiz

1. I can laugh and see the funny side of things:
As much as always. (score: 0)
Not quite as much now. (score: 1)
Definitely not as much as I used to. (score: 2)
Not at all. (score: 3)

2. I have looked forward with enjoyment to things:
As much as I always have. (0)
Rather less than I used to. (1)
Definitely less than I used to. (2)
Barely at all. (3)

3. I've blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong:
Yes, most of the time. (3)
Yes, some of the time. (2)
Not very often. (1)
No, never. (0)

No, not at all. (0)
Hardly ever. (1)
Yes, sometimes. (2)
Yes, very often. (3)

5. I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason:
Yes, quite a lot. (3)
Yes, sometimes. (2)
No, not much. (1)
No, not at all. (0)

6. Things have been getting on top of me:
Yes, most of the time I haven't been able to cope at all. (3)
Yes, sometimes I haven't been coping as well as usual. (2)
No, most of the time I have coped quite well. (1)
No, I have been coping as well as ever. (0)

7. I have been so unhappy that I've had difficulties sleeping:
Yes, most of the time. (3)
Yes, some of the time. (2)
Not very often, just occasionally. (1)
No, not at all. (0)

8. I have felt sad or miserable:
Yes, most of the time. (3)
Yes, quite often. (2)
Not very often. (1)
No, not at all. (0)

9. I have been so unhappy that I have been crying:
Yes, most of the time. (3)
Yes, quite often. (2)
Only occasionally. (1)
No, not at all. (0)

10. The thought of harming myself has occurred to me:
Yes, quite often. (3)
Sometimes. (2)
Hardly ever. (1)
Never. (0)


If you score above 13 you are likely to be suffering from postpartum depression (PDD). How high you score indicates the severity of symptoms. If in doubt, repeat the test again in two weeks. But no matter what score you have, if you are not feeling like yourself, speak with your doctor or healthcare provider - if nothing else, they can put your mind at ease by helping to differentiate between PPD and a harmless bout of baby blues. You may also find it useful to read our more detailed article on the effects of depression.

This test is not a substitute for a diagnosis but it gives you and your doctor good information and a place to start. A careful clinical assessment will need to be completed before a proper diagnosis is confirmed. If you are not satisfied with the care you receive, ask your doctor for a referral to a PPD specialist.

R. Sagovsky, J.L. Cox, and J.M. Holden, 1987. Published in the British Journal of Psychiatry. Article entitled Detection of Postnatal Depression: Development of the 10 question Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Note, this scale will not detect mothers with phobias, personality disorders or anxiety neuroses.

Related Articles on Prenatal Depression

Problems of the Head and Face.
• Therapy options: Treatment for postpartum depression and
• Supplements, alternative therapies: Natural treatment for postpartum depression.
• What causes PPD? Read, causes of postpartum depression.
• Is it preventable? See, prevention of postpartum depression.

Back to Homepage: Womens Health Advice

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