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Pregnant and Depressed? Test Yourself

This screening tool for postpartum depression works for pregnant women, too

By Sarah Baldauf

Posted October 23, 2008

Postpartum depression has become a familiar term, but many people—including some doctors—do not acknowledge the potential health impact that depression during pregnancy can have on both mom and baby. This 10-question survey, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, or EPDS, was created to screen for depression in women after childbirth, but experts agree it can be useful in pregnant women, too.

In the past week I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things:
1. As much as I always could
2. Not quite so much now
3. Definitely not so much now
4. Not at all
In the past week I have looked forward with enjoyment to things:
1. As much as I ever did
2. Rather less than I used to
3. Definitely less than I used to
4. Hardly at all
In the past week I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong:
1. Yes, most of the time
2. Yes, some of the time
3. Not very often
4. No, never
In the past week I have been anxious or worried for no good reason:
1. No, not at all
2. Hardly ever
3. Yes, sometimes
4. Yes, very often
In the last week I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason:
1. Yes, quite a lot
2. Yes, sometimes
3. No, not much
4. No, not at all
In the past week things have been getting on top of me:
1. Yes, most of the time I haven't been able to cope at all
2. Yes, sometimes I haven't been coping as well as usual
3. No, most of the time I have coped quite well
4. No, I have been coping as well as ever
In the past week I have been so unhappy that I have difficulty sleeping:
1. Yes, most of the time
2. Yes, sometimes
3. Not very often
4. No, not at all
In the past week I have felt sad or miserable:
1. Yes, most of the time
2. Yes, sometimes
3. Not very often
4. No, not at all
In the past week I have been so unhappy that I have been crying:
1. Yes, most of the time
2. Yes, quite often
3. Only occasionally
4. No, never
In the past week the thought of harming myself has occured to me:
1. Yes, quite often
2. Sometimes
3. Hardly ever
4. Never

Your Score

The maximum EPDS score is 30. A score of 10 or higher could indicate symptoms of depression that range in severity. The EPDS does not diagnose depression; it is only meant as a screening tool. Item 10, which inquires about suicidal thoughts, is a particularly important question. Those with such thoughts should seek help immediately. If you have any questions about whether you might have depression, see your physician.

EDINBURGH POSTNATAL DEPRESSION SCALE (EPDS)
J.L. Cox, J.M. Holden, R. Sagovsky
From: British Journal of Psychiatry (1987), 150, 782-786.

Tags: depression | mental health | women's health | pregnancy

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