Who created the EPDS and when is it used?

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was developed by John Cox, Jenni Holden, and Ruth Sagovsky. It's the standard screening tool used across Australia during pregnancy and after birth, including at the routine 6-week postnatal check, and can be completed by mothers or fathers/partners.

Is the EPDS only for depression?

The EPDS was designed primarily to screen for postnatal depression, but several of its questions also pick up anxiety symptoms, which are extremely common in the perinatal period. A raised score on any item — including thoughts of self-harm — should always be discussed with a health professional promptly.

What should I do with a high EPDS score?

Speak with your GP, obstetrician, maternal and child health nurse, or midwife as soon as possible. Perinatal depression and anxiety are common and highly treatable — PANDA (1300 726 306) also offers free, specialist perinatal mental health support if you'd like to talk it through first.

Perinatal Screening — GP & midwife reviewed

Edinburgh Postnatal
Depression Scale (EPDS)

The validated standard for perinatal depression and anxiety screening in Australia. Used by GPs, midwives, and child health nurses at 6-week and postnatal checks. 10 questions, under 3 minutes. Results stay on your device.

🔒 Private Free forever Printable for your GP or midwife Cox et al. 1987 For mothers & fathers

About this tool: The EPDS asks about how you have been feeling in the past 7 days (not today only). Think about the whole past week when answering. This tool is for use during pregnancy (antenatal) and after birth (postnatal).

About this scale

Created by

Cox, Holden & Sagovsky, 1987

Developed at

Edinburgh & Livingston, Scotland

Used by

GPs, midwives, child health nurses (Australia-wide)

Measures

Perinatal depression (and related anxiety)

Scoring

0–30

Diagnostic?

No — screening only

Score interpretation — what your results mean

Unlike some other scales, Australian services don’t use one single agreed cut-off for the EPDS. Some use a score of 10 or above as the trigger for clinical review; others use 13 or above as the threshold for probable depression. Your clinician will interpret your score in the context of your individual situation. Any non-zero response to Question 10 (thoughts of self-harm) is treated as a clinical priority regardless of the total score.

Important: This is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It cannot replace a professional assessment. If your results concern you, please speak with a GP or mental health professional. In a crisis, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or 000.

Question 1 of 100%

Question 1

In the past 7 days:

/ 30

PANDA Helpline — 1300 726 306 → Get a Mental Health Treatment Plan

Screening guide only — not a diagnosis. A score of 10+ warrants clinical discussion.
Question 10 (self-harm) requires follow-up regardless of total score.

What is the EPDS?

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was developed by Cox, Holden and Sagovsky (1987) at Edinburgh and Livingston in Scotland. It is a 10-item self-report questionnaire designed to screen for perinatal depression — that is, depression occurring during pregnancy and in the period following birth.

In Australia, the EPDS is recommended by the Australian Government, beyondblue, and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) as the standard perinatal depression screening tool. It is routinely administered by GPs, midwives, obstetricians, and child health nurses at antenatal appointments and the 6-week postnatal check. It is also validated for use during pregnancy.

The EPDS can be completed by mothers and fathers. Research shows perinatal depression affects approximately 1 in 7 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers in Australia.

EPDS Score Interpretation (Australian context)

Scores are interpreted in the context of clinical assessment. The EPDS does not diagnose depression — it indicates who needs further evaluation.

0–9: Low likelihood

Responses suggest depression is unlikely at this time. Your GP or midwife may repeat the screen at a future appointment.

10–12: Possible depression

Scores in this range suggest possible depression. Australian guidelines recommend clinical follow-up and re-screening. A GP appointment is recommended.

13–18: Probable depression

Probable depression. This score range indicates you should speak with your GP or midwife promptly. Treatment is available and effective.

19–30: Severe

Severe symptoms. Please contact your GP or midwife as soon as possible. PANDA 1300 726 306 provides immediate support.

Note: Some Australian services use a cut-off of 10 or above for clinical review; others use 13 or above for probable depression. Your clinician will consider your score in context. Any score on Question 10 (self-harm) is a clinical priority regardless of total.

Who should complete the EPDS?

The EPDS is intended for use during pregnancy (antenatal) and up to 12 months after birth (postnatal). It is validated for both mothers and fathers/non-birthing partners. It can be repeated at multiple timepoints — research shows perinatal depression can develop or worsen in the weeks and months after birth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is postnatal depression?

Postnatal depression (PND) is a form of depression that develops in the weeks and months following childbirth. It is different from the "baby blues" (a brief period of emotional sensitivity in the first 2 weeks after birth). PND involves persistent low mood, loss of enjoyment, exhaustion beyond normal tiredness, difficulty bonding, anxiety, and other symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks. In Australia, it affects around 1 in 7 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers. It is a medical condition, not a character weakness, and it responds well to treatment.

Can fathers use the EPDS?

Yes. The EPDS has been validated for use with fathers and non-birthing partners. Research consistently shows that partners of new parents have elevated rates of depression — around 1 in 10 fathers experience clinically significant depression in the perinatal period. The EPDS is appropriate for any new parent. PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) provides specific support for fathers at panda.org.au.

How is this different from the PHQ-9?

Both the EPDS and PHQ-9 screen for depression, but the EPDS was specifically designed and validated for the perinatal period. It includes items about anxiety (a key feature of perinatal mental health conditions) that the PHQ-9 doesn't specifically target. The EPDS is the recommended tool in Australian maternal and child health services. The PHQ-9 is more commonly used in general practice for non-perinatal depression. If you are pregnant or recently had a baby, the EPDS is the more appropriate first tool.

How do I get help in Australia?

Talk to your GP, obstetrician, midwife, or child health nurse. Print your EPDS results and take them with you. PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia) is the national specialist service — 1300 726 306, Mon–Fri 9am–7:30pm. Beyond Blue also provides perinatal mental health support and online resources. You can access up to 10 subsidised psychology sessions under Medicare through a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP — see our MHTP guide.

Is a high EPDS score dangerous for my baby or my family?

A high EPDS score does not mean you are a danger to your baby or family — it means you are experiencing significant symptoms that deserve professional support. Many people with high scores are loving, capable parents who are struggling with an illness that responds to treatment. The EPDS is designed to connect parents with help, not to judge them. If you have concerns about safety, talk to your GP immediately.

Sources & References

Cox JL, Holden JM, Sagovsky R. (1987). Detection of postnatal depression: Development of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. British Journal of Psychiatry, 150, 782–786. doi:10.1192/bjp.150.6.782
Cox JL, Chapman G, Murray D, Jones P. (1996). Validation of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in non-postnatal women. Journal of Affective Disorders, 39(3), 185–189.
Australian Government Department of Health. (2023). Clinical practice guidelines: Perinatal mental health. health.gov.au
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia). panda.org.au
beyondblue. (2023). Clinical practice guidelines for perinatal mental health. cope.org.au
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. (2023). RACGP guidelines for preventive activities in general practice, 10th edition. racgp.org.au
The EPDS is reproduced with permission. Cox JL, Holden JM, Sagovsky R., 1987. © The Royal College of Psychiatrists 1987. Digital Treasure Pty Ltd, 2026.

Medical Disclaimer: The EPDS tool on this page is for educational and screening purposes only. It is not a diagnostic instrument and does not replace professional clinical assessment. If you are in crisis, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or PANDA 1300 726 306. In an emergency, call 000.

Related resources: Perinatal mental health guide · Mental Health Treatment Plan · PHQ-9 depression tool · GAD-7 anxiety tool · Other Digital Treasure resources: askmygp.com.au · careforamma.com

Edinburgh PostnatalDepression Scale (EPDS)