Postpartum depression is the most common complication of childbearing. This 10-question self-rating scale has been proven to be an efficient and effective way of identifying patients at risk for “perinatal” depression. While this test was specifically designed for women who are pregnant or have just had a baby, it has also been shown to be an effective measure for general depression in the larger population.

Please select the answer that comes closest to how you have felt in the past 7 days:

  1. I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things.
  2. I have looked forward with enjoyment to things.
  3. I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong.
  4. I have been anxious or worried for no good reason.
  5. I have felt scared or panicky for no very good reason.
  6. Things have been getting on top of me.
  7. I have been so unhappy that I have had difficulty sleeping.
  8. I have felt sad or miserable.
  9. I have been so unhappy that I have been crying.
  10. The thought of harming myself has occurred to me.
Sources
  1. , , . Detection of Postnatal Depression: Development of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. 150: Br J Psychiatry 782-786. 1987.
  2. , , . Postpartum Depression. 347(3): N Engl J Med 194-199. .