Postpartum Screening 101: How to Spot Depression & Anxiety — Resources & Help

Introduction — Why postpartum screening matters

Becoming a parent brings big changes — physically, emotionally, and socially. While many new parents experience ups and downs, some develop clinically significant postpartum depression or anxiety that affects their safety, health, and ability to care for their baby. Routine screening helps identify people who need evaluation and treatment early, so they can get evidence-based care and support.

Professional organizations recommend standardized screening for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period to catch symptoms that might otherwise be missed by busy parents or clinicians. Screening is quick, non‑invasive, and a first step — not a diagnosis — that points toward the right follow-up care.

Common screening tools: what they are and how to interpret scores

Clinics commonly use brief, validated questionnaires to screen for postpartum depression and anxiety. These are screening tools — they flag possible concerns and guide follow-up, but only a clinician can make an official diagnosis.

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)

The EPDS is a 10‑item questionnaire widely used in perinatal care. Scores range 0–30. Many clinical protocols use cutoffs differently depending on setting, but evidence supports roughly the following bands: 0–9 (minimal), 10–12 (possible/mild), and ≥13 (probable depression); any positive response to the question about self‑harm requires immediate attention. Research shows a cut point around 11 maximizes sensitivity and specificity, while ≥13 is more specific for probable depression. Use the EPDS as part of a pathway that includes clinical assessment and safety checks.

Patient Health Questionnaire‑9 (PHQ‑9)

The PHQ‑9 is a 9‑item depression measure used in primary care and obstetrics. Scores range 0–27 and are commonly interpreted as: 0–4 (minimal), 5–9 (mild), 10–14 (moderate), 15–19 (moderately severe), and 20–27 (severe). A score ≥10 usually prompts further evaluation and consideration of treatment. The PHQ‑9 also asks about thoughts of self‑harm — a positive response requires immediate follow‑up.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder‑7 (GAD‑7)

For anxiety, the GAD‑7 is a 7‑item screener with scores 0–21. Typical interpretation is 0–4 (minimal), 5–9 (mild), 10–14 (moderate), 15–21 (severe). Scores of ~8–10 and above often indicate clinically meaningful anxiety and the need for further assessment. As with depression screeners, the GAD‑7 is a flag to guide clinical discussion and next steps.

Red flags, urgent signs, and immediate resources

Some symptoms require immediate action. If you or someone you care for has any of the following, seek help right away:

• Thoughts of harming oneself or the baby (any suicidal or homicidal ideation).
• Severe panic attacks, inability to function, or loss of contact with reality.
• Inability to feed, bathe, or keep the baby safe because of mood or psychosis.

In the United States, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 confidential crisis support, or use the lifeline chat at 988lifeline.org. For perinatal‑focused support, Postpartum Support International (PSI) offers a helpline and resource navigation; PSI also lists the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (833‑852‑6262) as a 24/7 resource for callers in the U.S. Note: PSI itself is not a crisis line and will direct people in crisis to emergency services and national hotlines when needed. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

Because national programs and hotlines evolve, if you’re reading this later, double‑check the current numbers and options on official sites (988 Lifeline, SAMHSA, PSI).

Next steps: how to act on screening results and where to find help

If a screening score is elevated or you’re worried about mood or anxiety, use this practical checklist:

1. Talk with your clinician (OB‑GYN, pediatrician, family medicine provider, or primary care) right away — bring your screening results or describe symptoms and how long they’ve lasted. Professional groups recommend routine perinatal screening at several points in pregnancy and postpartum; screening should lead to a diagnostic assessment if positive.
2. If suicidal thoughts, severe panic, or inability to care for the baby are present, call 988 or 911 immediately.
3. Ask for a safety plan and immediate supports — who can stay with you, help with baby care, or keep you safe until symptoms are managed.
4. Discuss treatment options: evidence‑based treatments include psychotherapy (CBT, IPT), medication when indicated, and coordinated care programs. Treatment decisions can consider breastfeeding, medication risks and benefits, and the severity of illness; discuss these with your clinician and a perinatal mental health specialist when possible.
5. Use peer support and targeted programs: PSI hosts support groups and a helpline to help find local providers, therapists experienced in perinatal mood disorders, and parent support groups. Telehealth options can expand access, especially in areas with few local specialists.

Finally, keep monitoring mood and functioning — screening is most useful when repeated at routine care points (e.g., postpartum visits, pediatric well checks) and when it triggers a clear referral pathway. If you can, involve a trusted friend or family member in safety planning and follow‑up so you’re not managing alone.

Resources (U.S.)

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988; chat via 988lifeline.org.
• Postpartum Support International (PSI) — helpline and resource navigation (including Spanish): postpartum.net/get-help/psi-helpline/.
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline — 833‑852‑6262 (24/7 U.S.).

If you live outside the U.S., locate local crisis resources through national health agencies or your clinician; many countries maintain their own crisis lines and maternal mental health services.