Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale

The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a validated 10-item self-report screening questionnaire designed to identify symptoms of depression during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Each item is scored 0–3, with a total score of 10 or above typically indicating possible depression warranting clinical follow-up. Originally developed for postnatal use, the EPDS has been validated for antenatal screening and is widely used in primary care and midwifery settings globally. It is brief, easy to administer, and available in multiple languages, making it a practical first-line screening tool. Accessibility considerations for the EPDS include ensuring it is available in community languages, offered in low-stigma formats, and that positive results trigger timely clinical follow-up—gaps that digital and robotic delivery methods are increasingly being designed to address.