Pregnant and Depressed? Test Yourself

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

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.

extremely depressed

I just recently left my boyfriend and father of my child i am 31 weeks pregnant with. He has an addiction problem and i blame myself for not making it work even though it is his problem. All I can think about is how i am living with my mother and having a baby in less than 9 weeks and have no income and nothing to offer my son but love.

Jessica of NC @ Jan 20, 2010 14:28:19 PM

"for no good reason"

I do not understand this criteria for measuring depression because I always seem to have in my mind very solid reasons for feeling the way I do, just no natural way to counteract these negative thoughts or feelings. I am about 34wks with my 4th and my circumstances overall have worsened substantially since my last child 5yrs ago. I actually started an antidepressant the month before I apparently became pregnant, switching to prozac during the 3rd month, even increasing my dosage before I actually discovered I was pregnant at 18wks. I was also over a yr into my use of Adderall for ADHD. When I confirmed my pregnancy but continued my meds it was looked down upon. I have since stopped my meds, partly due to a screw up with my insurance, primarily due to my guilt over what I have already exposed my baby to, but I wish I hadn't. My irritation, anger, frustration and aggression have since increased and my stress level is off the chart. To top it off my husband is trapped in his own depressed world yet in complete denial. As a result I'm even more irritated and unmotivated, angry that I have no support and can't function for my other 3 children. As a result my feelings of immense failure and worthlessness are only perpetuated... But none of it is for "no good reason."

MB of CA @ Sep 06, 2009 00:41:12 AM

sex and health

hi i wanna know if a vergent can get pragnent or not please i need to know as soon as possible because i'm so worried

ribala @ Jun 11, 2009 19:10:17 PM

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

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extremely depressed

"for no good reason"

sex and health

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Pregnant and Depressed? Test Yourself

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

Your Score

extremely depressed

"for no good reason"

sex and health

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