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Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale Validated for use by
pregnant women and new mothers As you have recently had a baby, we would like to know how you are feeling. Please check the box next to the answer which comes closest to how you have felt IN THE PAST 7 DAYS, not just how you feel today.
1. I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things. As much as I always could Not quite so much now Definitely not so much now Not at all 2. I have looked forward with enjoyment to things. As much as I ever did Rather less than I used to Definitely less than I used to Hardly at all 3. *I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong. Yes, most of the time Yes, some of the time Not very often No, never 4. I have been anxious or worried for no good reason. No, not at all Hardly ever Yes, sometimes Yes, very often 5. *I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason. Yes, quite a lot Yes, sometimes No, not much No, not at all 6. *Things have been getting on top of me. Yes, most of the time I haven’t been coping as well Yes, sometimes I haven’t been coping as well as usual No, most of the time I have coped quite well No, I have been coping as well as ever 7. *I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping. Yes, most of the time Yes, sometimes Not very often No, not at all 8. *I have felt sad or miserable. Yes, most of the time Yes, quite often No, not very often No, not at all 9. *I have been so unhappy that I have been crying. Yes, most of the time Yes, quite often Only occasionally No, never 10. *The thought of harming myself has occurred to me. Yes, quite often Sometimes Hardly ever Never Scoring the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Responses are scored 0, 1, 2 and 3 according to increased severity of symptoms (for example, in question 1, “As much as I always could” is scored as 0; “Not at all” is scored as 3). Questions marked with an asterisk are reverse scored (for example, in question 3, “Yes, most of the time” is scored as 3; “No, never” is scored as 0). The total score is calculated by adding together scores for each of the ten questions (see the New Mother Questionnaire Scoring Sheet). A score of 12 or higher indicates possible depression. Limits of this scale The EPDS will not detect mothers with postpartum panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder or postpartum psychosis. New mothers are at risk of obsessive-compulsive disorder (3-5 percent of new mothers); postpartum panic disorder (up to 10 percent); and postpartum psychosis (.1 percent). Important note This questionnaire is provided for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for consulting with a health professional. Even if an individual’s score on the questionnaire is below 12 it is very important to consult with a primary care doctor or a mental health professional if there are concerns. |