Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) Calculator

The 10-question Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is a valuable and efficient way of identifying patients at risk for perinatal depression. The EPDS is easy to administer and has proven to be an effective screening tool.

Mothers who score above 13 are likely to be suffering from a depressive illness of varying severity. The scale should indicate how the mother felt during the previous week. In doubtful cases it may be useful to complete the EPDSagain after two weeks.

Important - The score should not override clinical judgement and a careful clinical assessment should be carried out to confirm the diagnosis.
Important - This screening tool does not detect mothers with anxiety neuroses, phobias or personality disorders.

Accessing the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) Calculator

  1. From Consultation Manager, select Vision+ from the floating toolbar and select Calculators - Mental Health - Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.

  2. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) Calculator displays:

Using the Calculator

Home Tab

From the Home tab:

  • Save & Close - Select to save the calculator and generated score to the patient's record.

  • Show Indicators - Select to display the patient's Alert Indicator without opening Consultation Manager.

  • Default Date - Defaults to today, update if required by entering a new date or selecting from the calendar.

  • Previous Tab / Next Tab - Moves between the Calculator tabs.

Calculator Tabs

Select from:

  • History - Displays the clinical information from the patient's record..

    See Viewing the History Tab for details.

  • EPDS - The main calculator tab, complete as required.

  • EPDS Evidence - Displays further information about the calculator:

Completing the Calculator

To complete the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) Calculator and score your patient:

  1. From the EPDS Calculator, select the EPDS tab and complete the calculator, entering the answers to each of the ten questions, please note:
    • The mother is asked to check the response that comes closest to how she has been feeling in the previous seven days.
    • It is mandatory that all questions are completed.
    • Care should be taken to avoid the possibility of the mother discussing her answers with others.
    • The mother should complete the scale herself, unless she has limited English or has difficulty with reading.
    Training Tip - Select Undo Last Entry to delete the previously entered answer on that line during the current session if required.
  2. Select Save & Close to save the score and calculator to the patient's record:

  3.  The appropriate clinical term saves to the patient's record:

Note - In doubtful cases it may be useful to complete the EPDSagain after two weeks.
Note - To print this topic select Print in the top right corner and follow the on-screen prompts.