Edinburgh Depression Scale online: what to know

The questions cover recent mood, enjoyment, worry, sleep, self-blame and safety. An online score is a prompt for discussion rather than proof that you have depression. It may miss context such as bereavement, physical illness, medication effects, pregnancy, parenting pressures or limited support. Record which answers concern you and share the result with a family doctor, midwife or mental-health professional. Symptoms may include Fatigue, Irritability, Daytime Sleepiness or Difficulty Concentrating.

Use a private, trustworthy service and read its privacy information before entering personal details. Complete the questions without trying to produce a particular score. Arrange a clinical conversation if the result worries you, if symptoms persist, or if functioning has changed. A clinician can ask follow-up questions, check physical contributors and discuss talking therapy, social support or medicines where appropriate. Difficulty Sleeping and Insomnia may also be relevant to discuss.

Seek prompt medical advice when low mood, anxiety or loss of interest is disrupting work, self-care, relationships or sleep. Get urgent help if you may harm yourself, cannot keep yourself safe, or develop unusual experiences such as hearing voices or extreme confusion. An online form cannot provide crisis care, so contact local emergency services or a trusted person immediately.

Ask how your result fits your symptoms, whether anything physical should be checked, what treatment choices are available, and how soon follow-up should happen. Also ask who to contact if your mood worsens between appointments.