Edinburgh postnatal depression screening

The screening questionnaire covers mood, enjoyment, worry, sleep, self-blame, and coping. It gives a structured way to raise concerns after birth, but it cannot distinguish every cause of distress or replace a clinical assessment. A clinician will consider your answers with your medical history, pregnancy and birth experience, support at home, and day-to-day functioning.

Postnatal depression may involve persistent low mood, loss of interest, guilt, anxiety, irritability, exhaustion, or difficulty connecting with your baby. Low sex drive can accompany emotional or physical recovery, but it is not enough on its own to identify depression.

Complete the questions privately and answer according to how you have actually felt, rather than how you think a new parent should feel. Share concerns even if you are unsure the result is significant. A clinician may offer monitoring, talking therapy, practical support, medication, or referral to perinatal mental health support. Ask for an interpreter or another accessible format if needed.

Get urgent help if you have thoughts of suicide, fear you may harm yourself or your baby, severe confusion, or experiences that seem unreal. Contact emergency services or an urgent mental-health service and involve someone you trust. A screening appointment should not delay immediate care.

Ask how the result will be interpreted, whether another assessment is needed, which treatment choices fit breastfeeding or other health needs, and who to contact if symptoms worsen.