Postpartum Depression Test

Professional Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale EPDS online assessment: 10 simple questions, 5 minutes to complete, instant scoring results. Help new mothers identify postpartum mood issues early, obtain professional mental health guidance, and safeguard postpartum mental health.

Start Test About EPDS

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale EPDS

Please answer the following questions honestly based on how you have felt in the past 7 days

weeks
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 very 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 (This item requires special attention; if score ≥ 1, please seek professional help immediately)

About the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale EPDS

A professional postpartum depression screening tool used worldwide

What is EPDS?

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a self-report questionnaire developed by Cox et al. in 1987 specifically for screening postpartum depression. It contains 10 simple questions and takes about 5 minutes to complete.

International Standard
Scoring Criteria

Total score is 30 points. A score ≥ 10 suggests possible postpartum depression, and ≥ 13 indicates a high risk of severe depression. A score ≥ 1 on item 10 (suicidal ideation) requires special attention and immediate professional help is recommended.

Scientific & Accurate
Reliability

EPDS is widely used in over 50 countries worldwide and has been validated by numerous studies, with both sensitivity and specificity reaching over 85%. It is the gold standard tool for postpartum depression screening.

Authoritatively Certified
When to Test?

It is recommended to perform the first screening at 2–6 weeks postpartum, and high-risk groups can start at 1 week postpartum. If the score is high, retest after 2 weeks. It can be used throughout the entire postpartum period (within 1 year after delivery).

Timing Matters
Assessment Dimensions

EPDS assesses the emotional state of postpartum women, including 7 dimensions: depressed mood, anxiety symptoms, guilt and self-blame, sleep problems, coping ability, sadness and crying, and self-harm ideation.

Comprehensive Assessment
Professional Reminder

EPDS is a screening tool and cannot replace a clinical diagnosis. If your score is high or you experience persistent low mood, please consult a professional doctor or mental health expert promptly.

Postpartum Depression Knowledge

What is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression refers to depressive symptoms that occur in women after childbirth. It is one of the most common psychiatric complications after delivery, usually starting within 2–6 weeks postpartum and lasting for months or even longer.

Postpartum depression not only affects the mother's physical and mental health but also impacts the mother-infant relationship, family harmony, and the baby's development. Early detection and intervention are crucial.

Key Statistics
  • Incidence: about 10–15% of mothers experience postpartum depression
  • Peak period: 2–3 months postpartum is the peak onset time
  • Duration: can persist over 6 months without treatment
  • Recurrence rate: up to 50% in subsequent pregnancies

Recognizing Postpartum Depression Symptoms

Understand typical manifestations of postpartum depression to detect abnormal emotions early

Emotional Symptoms
  • Persistent low mood
  • Anxiety, irritability
  • Loss of interest in things
  • Excessive guilt and self-blame
Physical Symptoms
  • Sleep disturbance (insomnia or hypersomnia)
  • Appetite changes
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Physical discomfort like headaches or stomachaches
Cognitive Symptoms
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory decline
  • Decision-making difficulties
  • Negative thinking patterns
Behavioral Symptoms
  • Avoiding social activities
  • Lack of interest in the baby
  • Decline in daily functioning
  • In severe cases, possible self-harm thoughts
Mother-Infant Relationship
  • Lack of closeness to the baby
  • Worrying about not being a good mother
  • Feeling anxious while caring for the baby
  • Fear of harming the baby
Danger Signs

If any of the following occur, please seek professional help immediately:

  • Thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby
  • Symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks and worsen
  • Unable to care for yourself and the baby
  • Hallucinations or delusions appear

Difference Between Postpartum Depression and "Baby Blues"

Baby Blues
  • Occurs 2–3 days after delivery
  • Lasts 3–5 days
  • Mild symptoms: mood swings, tearfulness
  • No special treatment needed
  • Resolves spontaneously
Postpartum Depression
  • Occurs 2 weeks to 1 year postpartum
  • Persists for more than 2 weeks
  • Severe symptoms: deep depression, anxiety
  • Requires professional treatment
  • Does not improve on its own

Risk Factors for Postpartum Depression

Physiological Factors
  • Rapid hormonal changes
  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • Previous psychiatric history
  • Family history of psychiatric disorders
  • Pregnancy complications
Psychological Factors
  • Perfectionist personality
  • Lack of self-confidence
  • Poor coping ability
  • Excessive expectations of motherhood
  • Previous history of depression
Social Factors
  • Lack of social support
  • Marital tension
  • Financial stress
  • Unplanned pregnancy
  • Major life changes
Important Reminder

Having risk factors does not mean you will definitely develop postpartum depression, but these individuals need to pay more attention to their emotional changes and are advised to undergo regular EPDS screening.

Why Choose PreMami Postpartum Depression Test?

Professional & Authoritative

Uses the internationally recognized Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale EPDS, validated by extensive research with over 85% accuracy

Privacy Protection

All test data is processed locally and will not be uploaded to the server, strictly protecting user privacy

Fast & Convenient

10 simple questions, 5 minutes to complete, instant professional analysis report and advice

Smart Analysis

Provides personalized analysis and professional advice based on scores to help you better understand your emotional state

Frequently Asked Questions About Postpartum Depression Test

EPDS is a rigorously scientifically validated scale, widely used in over 50 countries worldwide. Studies show it has a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 78%, making it an effective tool for postpartum depression screening. However, it is important to note that EPDS is a screening tool and cannot replace a clinical diagnosis.

It is recommended to perform the first screening at 2–6 weeks postpartum, and high-risk groups can start at 1 week postpartum. If the score is ≥ 10, retest after 2 weeks. It can be used throughout the entire postpartum period (within 1 year after delivery). If you feel emotionally abnormal, you can test at any time.

If your EPDS score is ≥ 10, especially if item 10 (suicidal ideation) is ≥ 1, it is recommended to seek professional help immediately. You can contact your obstetrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Also inform your family to get support and companionship.

Postpartum depression is curable. With professional treatment (such as psychotherapy, medication, etc.) and family support, most patients can fully recover. Early detection and timely treatment are key, and the prognosis is usually very good.

All postpartum women should undergo EPDS screening, especially those with risk factors such as a history of depression, family history, lack of social support, marital tension, or financial difficulties. Not only new mothers but also adoptive mothers may experience similar emotional problems.

Our EPDS test fully protects user privacy. All test data is processed only on your device and will not be uploaded to any server. Test results are visible only to you, and you can choose whether to share them with others.

Untreated postpartum depression may affect mother-infant attachment and the baby's cognitive and emotional development. However, with timely treatment, these effects can be minimized. The most important thing is for the mother to take care of her own mental health, which is most beneficial to the baby.

Provide emotional support, listen to her feelings, and avoid criticism or belittling. Help share household chores and baby care responsibilities. Encourage her to seek professional help and accompany her to appointments. Be patient, as recovery takes time. Also pay attention to your own emotional health.