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Mental Health Assessment

Nov 3, 2021Updated on Jan 9, 2026
Preglife

ByPreglife

Vi har valt att samarbeta med experter som har en omfattande erfarenhet för att du ska få så relevant och faktabaserad information som möjligt under din graviditet, efter födseln och de första 2 åren med ditt barn.

We are so happy to have you here, and know that you are taking this step on taking care of yourself.

We present to you the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)

This test was designed for new mothers and mothers-to-be, who must answer all the questions by themselves, with absolutely no interference from others. You may come across this assessment during an appointment with your doctor or midwife, but we want to give you an opportunity to take your time and do it from the comfort of your own home. It is most commonly used on new mums, but they have shown to be useful on detecting risks for postpartum depression on mothers-to-be.

So, let 's begin? Take a deep breath and read all the questions carefully, we are here to support you.

How have you been feeling, not only today but for this past week?

  1. I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things a) As much as I always could b) Not quite so much now c) Definitely not so much now d) Not at all

  2. I have looked forward with enjoyment to things a) As much as I ever did b) Rather less than I used to c) Definitely less than I used to d) Hardly at all

  3. I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong a) Yes, most of the time b) Yes, some of the time c) Not very often d) No, never

  4. I have been anxious or worried for no good reason a) No, not at all b) Hardly ever c) Yes, sometimes d) Yes, very often

  5. I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason a) Yes, quite a lot b) Yes, sometimes c) No, not much d) No, not at all

  6. Things have been getting on top of me a) Yes, most of the time I haven’t been able to cope at all b) Yes, sometimes I haven’t been coping as well as usual c) No, most of the time I have coped quite well d) No, I have been coping as well as ever

  7. I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping a) Yes, most of the time b) Yes, sometimes c) Not very often d) No, not at all

  8. I have felt sad or miserable a) Yes, most of the time b) Yes, quite often c) Not very often d) No, not at all

  9. I have been so unhappy that I have been crying a) Yes, most of the time b) Yes, quite often c) Only occasionally d) No, never

  10. The thought of harming myself has occurred to me a) Yes, quite often b) Sometimes c) Hardly ever d) Never

Thank you so much for taking some time to reflect on your mental wellbeing! Take a deep breath, and let’s look at your results together.

The maximum you can score in this test is 30 points. For questions 1, 2 and 4, the items are worth: a) 0 points b) 1 point c) 2 points d) 3 points

For questions, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, the items are worth: a) 3 points b) 2 points c) 1 point d) 0 points

In case of doubt, repeat this test in 2 weeks. If you have scored higher than 10 points you are likely to be struggling with depression. An affirmative answer to item 10 can be a sign of suicidal thoughts and indicate a mental health emergency. It is always important to be open about what you are feeling with your health care provider and loved ones. Remember that getting professional advice is not only for moments of crisis, it is to help you feel the best you can.

Disclaimer: This test is limited to detecting symptoms of depressive illnesses, and it does not substitute a 101 evaluation held by a psychotherapist.

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