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Free Postnatal Depression Test (EPDS)

The NHS-routine perinatal depression screener. Free, anonymous, instant results. Validated for birthing parents and partners.

The EPDS — developed at the University of Edinburgh (Cox et al. 1987), used routinely at the NHS 6-week postnatal check

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Perinatal mental health support

Your GP, midwife, or health visitor can refer you to the NHS perinatal mental health team
PANDAS Foundation: 0808 1961 776 (perinatal mental illness peer support)
Cry-sis: 08451 228 669 (excessive crying / sleeplessness in babies)
Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
NHS: 111 (option 2 for mental health)
In an emergency: 999 or A&E

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)

The EPDS (Cox, Holden & Sagovsky 1987) is the most widely used perinatal depression screener in the world. It is offered routinely by NHS health visitors and midwives during pregnancy and at the 6-week postnatal check. 10 items, score 0-30. Cut-offs: 0-6 no depression, 7-9 mild, 10-12 possible depression, 13+ probable depression. A score of 10 or higher indicates follow-up is recommended.

  • 10 clinically validated items, used by NHS perinatal mental health teams
  • Takes about 3 minutes to complete
  • 100% free and anonymous — no email or account required
  • Built-in safety alert with UK perinatal crisis-line signposting
  • Validated for birthing parents AND partners (including adoptive parents)
  • Postnatal depression is treatable — most parents improve with the right support
Cox, J. L., Holden, J. M., & Sagovsky, R. (1987). Detection of postnatal depression: development of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. British Journal of Psychiatry, 150, 782-786.

About the online EPDS

The EPDS is the NHS-routine screener offered to new parents in the UK. It captures the core symptoms of perinatal depression — low mood, anxiety, anhedonia, coping difficulties, sleep problems, and self-harm thoughts — in just 10 items.

This free version uses the standard 10-item EPDS. You answer about how you've felt over the past 7 days. You then get a total score from 0 to 30 plus a severity band, with NHS-aligned guidance and UK-specific perinatal crisis lines.

Time

3 minutes

Items

10 items

Score

0-30 (4 bands)

Validation

Cox, 1987

Important: This test does not provide a diagnosis. If you scored 10 or higher, please speak with your GP, midwife or health visitor — perinatal mental health support is available and effective.

Why take the EPDS?

NHS-aligned

The same screener your GP and health visitor use

Instant, anonymous result

No email, no waiting, no account

UK perinatal crisis lines

PANDAS, Cry-sis, Samaritans, NHS 111 — built into the result

Track changes over time

Re-take in 2-4 weeks if your first score was mild or possible

Sample items from the EPDS

Mood

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

Anxiety

I have been anxious or worried for no good reason

Coping

Things have been getting on top of me

Mood

I have felt sad or miserable

Frequently asked questions

What is the EPDS?+
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is the most widely used screener for postnatal (postpartum) depression in the world. Developed by Cox, Holden and Sagovsky (1987) at the University of Edinburgh, it is offered routinely by NHS health visitors at the 6-week postnatal check.
How long does the test take?+
About 3 minutes. The 10 items ask how you have felt over the past 7 days.
Is the test free and anonymous?+
Yes — 100% free and anonymous. We do not ask for your name, email or any personal details to show you your results.
How is the EPDS score interpreted?+
Scores range from 0 to 30. NHS-aligned cut-offs: 0-6 = no depression, 7-9 = mild symptoms, 10-12 = possible depression, 13+ = probable depression. A score of 10 or higher indicates follow-up is recommended.
Is the EPDS only for new mothers?+
No — the EPDS is validated for both birthing parents and partners (including non-birthing parents and adoptive parents) during the perinatal period (pregnancy and the first year after birth).
What if my score is high?+
Please speak with your GP, midwife or health visitor — they can refer you to the NHS perinatal mental health team. Treatment (CBT, counselling, peer support, and where appropriate medication) is highly effective and considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding. PANDAS Foundation (0808 1961 776) offers peer support specifically for perinatal mental illness.
I'm having thoughts of harming myself or my baby. What do I do?+
Please reach out for support today. Talk to your GP, midwife or health visitor. Call NHS 111 (option 2 for mental health) or Samaritans 116 123 (free, 24/7). In an emergency, call 999 or go to A&E. Perinatal mental health support is available on the NHS and you don't have to deal with this alone.
Is "baby blues" the same as postnatal depression?+
No — "baby blues" affects most new parents in the first 1-2 weeks and resolves on its own. Postnatal depression is more persistent (lasts longer than 2 weeks), more severe, and benefits from professional support. The EPDS helps distinguish the two.

Ready to take the EPDS?

3 minutes. Anonymous. Free.

Start the test