Posted: 25 January 2024 | Updated: 22 February 2024
Here is a self-assessment test for postnatal depression, adapted from the internationally recognised "Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)".
This test consists of 13 short questions and will take you approximately 5-6 minutes to complete.
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The "Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)" has been widely accepted across the globe as a valuable instrument for identifying postnatal depression symptoms.
However, our version of this test has been crafted with slight modifications, making it more suitable for our platform and the unique needs of our users. This does not imply any infringement, but rather, it's a respectful variation of the original test that maintains the essence of its purpose.
The test can be completed by "new" mums and dads. According to scientific studies, postnatal depression affects between 10 and 15 % of women and around 2.9 % men.
At BagholderTherapy.com, we offer a Postnatal Depression Test adapted from the EPDS, created independently to provide insights into postnatal well-being without claiming any affiliation with the original developers. Aimed at offering preliminary understanding for new parents, this test is available free of charge, emphasizing our initiative to support emotional health during postnatal phases. It serves educational and entertainment purposes, with further information on its use and limitations detailed at Disclaimers page.
Your answers will remain confidential and will only be used for possible treatment and support suggestions.
It is important to note that this test is not a diagnostic tool and that a correct diagnosis can only be made by a qualified professional, such as a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist, after a comprehensive assessment.
Time of completion
Number of questions
Adapted from an internationally recognised test
Your data will be confidential
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The Postnatal Depression Test is for all new mums and dads. It is especially useful for women in the first year after giving birth.
The EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) is a self-report questionnaire that assesses symptoms of postnatal depression in women (or men). Originally, it consists of 10 questions that measure the presence and severity of symptoms such as sadness, lack of interest and difficulty attaching to the baby.
No, the results of the postnatal depression test are not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have concerns about your behaviour towards your baby or your mental health, we recommend that you consult a qualified healthcare professional.
To obtain a score on the questionnaire, items 1-13 are scored on a three-point scale, with the highest answer being given a score of 3 and the lowest a score of 0.
As for question 6, it's unique as it serves as a control question and does not contribute to the final score. Control questions are included in assessments to validate the reliability and consistency of the test responses, ensuring that the information being collected is accurate and dependable.
The scores of each question are summed and interpreted.
5-9 points: These results suggest low-level symptoms of postnatal depression. Pay attention to your emotional well-being and any mood changes.
10-13 points: Your results imply mild symptoms of postnatal depression might be present.
14-19 points: The results hint at moderate symptoms of postnatal depression, signaling that it might be time to reach out for help.
20-23 points: If you score within this range, it indicates severe symptoms of postnatal depression. Seeking immediate professional help is strongly recommended.
24-36 points: A score in this range suggests very severe symptoms of postnatal depression. Please consider getting professional help urgently. This advice isn't meant to scare you but to ensure you get the support you need promptly.
Yes, the test is as relevant for men as it is for women. Studies suggest that approximately 2.9% of new fathers can experience postnatal depression.
Cox, J. L., Holden, J. M., in Sagovsky, R. (1987). Detection of postnatal depression: development of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The British journal of psychiatry, 150(6), 782-786. Article URL
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