EPDS scoring Postpartum depression test
EPDS scoring: what your score means
The EPDS is scored from 0 to 30: you add up the points from each answer, and the total lands in one of the severity bands below. A higher score means more frequent or intense symptoms over the period the test asks about — it’s a guide to whether a conversation with a professional is worth having, not a diagnosis.
| Score | Severity band | What it suggests |
|---|---|---|
| 0–9 | Lower-likelihood range | Scores of 0–9 suggest a lower likelihood of postpartum depression right now. New parenthood is exhausting and emotional even when things are basically okay — if something still feels wrong, trust that and keep checking in. |
| 10–12 | Possible depression range | Scores of 10–12 suggest possible postpartum depression. This is common and very treatable — but it is worth a conversation with a professional rather than pushing through alone, especially if it has lasted more than a couple of weeks. |
| 13–30 | Probable depression range | Scores of 13 or higher suggest probable postpartum depression. Please treat this as a clear signal to reach out to a professional soon. Postpartum depression is common, it is not your fault, and effective treatments help most people feel substantially better. |
Get your EPDS score
How to read your result
Treat the band as a starting point, not a label. Two people with the same score can be in very different places, which is exactly why the EPDS is a screen and not a diagnosis. If your score suggests moderate symptoms or higher — or if a lower score still doesn’t match how you feel — bring it to a clinician. Re-taking in two weeks shows the trend, which often matters more than a single snapshot.