Cox 1987

EPDS

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

Clinician mode

1. I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things

2. I have looked forward with enjoyment to things

3. I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong

4. I have been anxious or worried for no good reason

5. I have felt scared or panicky for no good reason

6. Things have been getting on top of me

7. I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping

8. I have felt sad or miserable

9. I have been so unhappy that I have been crying

10. The thought of harming myself has occurred to me

Low risk

0

Low likelihood of depression

  • EPDS ≥13 has ~86% sensitivity for major depression.
  • Sertraline is first-line SSRI in breastfeeding (NICE CG192).
  • Any positive Q10 (self-harm) requires urgent safety plan regardless of total.

Reference range

≤9 low · 10–12 possible · ≥13 probable depression · Q10 >0 = self-harm ideation

Common pitfalls

  • Screening only — needs clinical interview to diagnose.
  • Q10 (self-harm) overrides total score.

For educational use only

Not medical advice. Verify dosing against the BNF and your local trust guidelines before prescribing.