The Brighton Health Clinic operated by Crystal Pathways
EPDS Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale
Validated screening measure — Cox, Holden & Sagovsky, 1987

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)

10 items — scored 0–30 — perinatal depression and anxiety screening
Clinician opening script — read aloud before starting
Read this to the patient before administering:

"I would like to ask you some questions about how you have been feeling over the past seven days — not just today, but looking back over the whole of the past week. As you read each question, please select the answer that comes closest to how you have felt, not just how you feel right now.

There are no right or wrong answers. I am asking because we want to make sure you are getting the right support at this time. Everything you share is confidential and will be part of your care record."

For self-completion: Hand the questionnaire to the patient and allow them to complete it privately if they prefer. Make clear they can ask for help understanding any question. For clinician-administered completion, read each question and the four response options aloud and record the patient's answer.
Postnatal context — administration notes

The EPDS was originally validated for use in the postnatal period (up to 12 months postpartum). A score of 10 or above suggests possible depression and warrants further assessment. A score of 13 or above is associated with a high likelihood of clinical depression requiring active response. Any score above 0 on Question 10 requires immediate follow-up regardless of total score.

The EPDS does not distinguish between depression and anxiety — it is a screen, not a diagnosis. Consider complementing with clinical interview and, where appropriate, the PHQ-9 for further differentiation.

Antenatal context — administration notes

The EPDS has been validated for use during pregnancy and is now recommended as a routine screening tool in the antenatal period. The same scoring thresholds apply: 10 or above suggests possible depression; 13 or above suggests likely depression requiring active clinical response.

Antenatal depression is common and significantly underdetected. Somatic symptoms (fatigue, sleep changes, appetite changes) may reflect pregnancy itself rather than depression — use clinical judgement and note this in your observations. Questions 1, 2, and 3 relating to laughter, enjoyment, and self-blame are particularly informative in the antenatal period. Any response above 0 on Question 10 requires immediate follow-up.

How to administer — guidance for clinicians
1
The EPDS covers the past seven days — not just today. Remind the patient of this before each question if needed: "Thinking back over the whole of the last week..."
2
Read each question and all four response options aloud. Do not summarise or paraphrase. The validated wording must be preserved. Allow the patient to choose the response that fits best.
3
Questions are not uniformly scored 0–3. Some questions have reversed scoring (Questions 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10). The tool handles scoring automatically — select the patient's chosen response and the correct score will be applied.
4
If a patient hesitates between two options, ask: "Which one feels closer to your experience over the past week as a whole?" Do not guide toward a particular answer.
5
Question 10 requires immediate follow-up if scored above 0. Ask directly: "Can you tell me more about those thoughts?" Do not move on without exploring this response. Follow the Brighton Health Clinic / Crystal Pathways safeguarding and crisis protocol.
!Administer in a private, unhurried setting. Allow sufficient time after completion to discuss the result, particularly for scores of 10 or above or any response above 0 on Question 10. The EPDS is a clinical tool, not a self-assessment — results should always be discussed with the patient.
0 of 10 answered
0
out of 30
Low concern
Clinical Outcome Measure
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale
Brighton Health Clinic — Crystal Pathways
Confidential — File in CP Hub within 24 hours
BHC-0000
Patient and session details
EPDS — Item-level responses
#QuestionScoreResponse selected
Score interpretation and recommended action
The EPDS is a validated screening instrument, not a diagnostic tool. It screens for depression and anxiety in the perinatal period but does not diagnose. A score above the threshold indicates the need for further clinical assessment, not an automatic diagnosis of postnatal or antenatal depression. Scores should be interpreted alongside clinical observation, presentation, and history. Somatic symptoms during pregnancy or the early postnatal period may reflect the physical demands of this stage rather than depression. Cox JL, Holden JM, Sagovsky R. (1987) Detection of postnatal depression: Development of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. British Journal of Psychiatry, 150, 782–786.
Clinician signature
Clinician signature
Clinician
Role
Date of assessment
Reference
Generated by Brighton Health Clinic clinical documentation system, operated by Crystal Pathways Ltd. Signature applied electronically by the named clinician. Upload this record to CP Hub within 24 hours and retain in the patient's care record. The EPDS is reproduced with permission — Cox JL, Holden JM, Sagovsky R (1987).