EPDS Score — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ

Correct answer: C — 13 or above

The correct answer is C: a total EPDS score of 13 or above constitutes a positive screen under the NHS England Maternal Care Bundle. The EPDS is a screening and symptom-severity instrument, not a diagnostic interview; a positive result should prompt compassionate clinical discussion, risk assessment and appropriate follow-up. A score of 10 or above is a commonly encountered lower threshold that increases sensitivity, but it is not the specified NHS England positive total-score threshold. Scores of 20 or 25 indicate substantial symptom burden but are unnecessarily high for defining a positive screen. Importantly, action may still be required below 13 if the self-harm item scores 2 or above or if clinical concern persists.

Reference: NHS England. The Maternal Care Bundle, Element 4: Maternal mental health, intervention 4.3. Updated 6 March 2026. https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/the-maternal-care-bundle/