Tools in This Collection
PHQ-9 Depression Screener
Score the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire for depression severity
GAD-7 Anxiety Screener
Score the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale
PCL-5 PTSD Screener
Score the 20-item PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 with 33+ threshold
ADHD ASRS Screener
WHO Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale for attention concerns
MDQ Bipolar Screener
Mood Disorder Questionnaire for bipolar spectrum screening
ACE Score Calculator
Calculate adverse childhood experiences score across 10 categories
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale
Screen for postpartum depression in new mothers
These tools are for educational purposes and screening awareness — they do not replace professional medical evaluation. A positive screen result should prompt consultation with a qualified mental health professional.
Mental Health Screening Workflow
Standardized screening questionnaires are the first step in identifying mental health concerns in primary care and psychiatric settings. These validated instruments help quantify symptom severity so that patients and clinicians can communicate clearly about the level of distress and track changes over time.
Depression Screening with PHQ-9
The PHQ-9 Depression Screener scores nine questions on a 0–3 scale, producing a total of 0–27. Severity bands: minimal (0–4), mild (5–9), moderate (10–14), moderately severe (15–19), severe (20–27). A score of 10 or above in a primary care setting typically prompts further assessment or referral.
Anxiety Screening with GAD-7
The GAD-7 Anxiety Screener uses 7 items on the same 0–3 scale (total 0–21). Scores of 5, 10, and 15 represent mild, moderate, and severe anxiety thresholds. A GAD-7 score of 10 or above suggests clinical anxiety warranting evaluation.
PTSD and Other Conditions
The PCL-5 PTSD Screener implements the 20-item PTSD Checklist for DSM-5. A provisional PTSD diagnosis threshold is 33 or higher. The ADHD ASRS Screener uses the WHO Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale for attention concerns. The MDQ Bipolar Screener helps identify possible bipolar spectrum conditions. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale screens for postpartum depression in new mothers.
Adverse Childhood Experiences
The ACE Score Calculator tallies adverse childhood experiences across 10 categories. Higher ACE scores correlate with increased risk of chronic disease, mental health conditions, and social problems in adulthood — useful for understanding risk context in clinical conversations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a PHQ-9 score of 10 mean?
A PHQ-9 score of 10 falls in the moderate depression range (10–14). In primary care settings, a score of 10 or above typically prompts further assessment, treatment consideration, or referral to mental health services. The score alone is not diagnostic — clinical judgment and context are required.
How is the GAD-7 different from the PHQ-9?
The PHQ-9 screens specifically for depression using 9 questions scored 0–27. The GAD-7 screens for generalized anxiety disorder using 7 questions scored 0–21. Both use the same 0–3 response scale and have validated cutoff scores for different severity levels. Many clinicians administer both at the same appointment as they are commonly comorbid.
Can a positive screen result diagnose a mental health condition?
No. Screening tools identify the probability of a condition and quantify symptom severity — they are not diagnostic instruments. A positive screen result (e.g., PHQ-9 ≥10) indicates that further clinical evaluation is warranted. Diagnosis requires assessment by a qualified mental health or medical professional using clinical criteria.
When should I seek professional help after a screening?
If you score in the moderate or higher range on any of these screening tools, or if your symptoms are causing distress or interfering with daily functioning, contact a mental health professional or your primary care physician. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, contact a crisis line immediately — in the US, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).