EPDS · 3 minutes

Postpartum depression screener (EPDS)

Reflect on how you have felt during the past 7 days. Ten questions about mood, anxiety, sleep, and self-harm. Result identifies whether perinatal depression evaluation is warranted.

← All self-assessments

1 of 100% complete
Question 1

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

Educational tool — not a diagnosis. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Cox, Holden & Sagovsky 1987. Most widely used perinatal depression screener worldwide; validated in 60+ languages.

Frequently asked

Plain-language answers about postpartum depression, this screener, and what evaluation costs at a Class A hospital in China.

What's a positive EPDS score?
A score of 10 or higher is the conventional threshold for further evaluation. ≥13 has higher specificity for clinical depression. Item 10 (self-harm) endorsement is always a flag for immediate clinical attention regardless of total score.
Is treatment safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Yes — many SSRIs (sertraline, escitalopram) have substantial safety data in pregnancy and lactation. Risk of untreated depression to mother and infant generally exceeds risk of properly chosen medication. Decisions should be individualised with a perinatal-experienced clinician.
What does perinatal mental health care cost in China?
Class A obstetric departments at major academic hospitals (PUMCH, Peking University Third) increasingly offer integrated psychiatry liaison. Comprehensive perinatal evaluation: $200–340. Medication is widely available at substantially lower cost than US/EU.

About this screener

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Cox, Holden & Sagovsky 1987. Most widely used perinatal depression screener worldwide; validated in 60+ languages.

What this screener covers

  • Postpartum depression(ICD-10 F53.0)
  • Major depressive disorder, perinatal onset(ICD-10 F32)

Medical review

Reviewed by Panda Touring Care medical team (OB-GYN + psychiatry coordinator review) · last reviewed 2025-04-01

EPDS is a screening tool. If you have any thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, contact local emergency services or a crisis line immediately. Untreated perinatal depression has consequences for both mother and infant — effective treatment exists and works.