GAD-7, PHQ-9 and beyond — a guide to mental health screening tools
Doctors and psychologists use standardised questionnaires to assess mental health. Learn the key screening tools: GAD-7 (anxiety), PHQ-9 (depression), PCL-5 (trauma) and more.
What are mental health screening tools?
Mental health screening questionnaires are short, standardised instruments used by clinicians to quickly assess symptom severity and determine whether further diagnosis or treatment is needed. Key distinction: screening ≠ diagnosis.
Key questionnaires
GAD-7 (anxiety): 7 items, 0–21 scale, clinical threshold ≥ 10 PHQ-9 (depression): 9 items, 0–27 scale, thresholds at 5/10/15/20 PCL-5 (PTSD): 20 items, threshold ≥ 33 AUDIT (alcohol): 10 items, threshold ≥ 8
Screening results are a starting point for conversation with a clinician, not a verdict. Scores should be interpreted in context and monitored over time.
Find our free GAD-7 Anxiety Scale on this platform — instant results with interpretation. For any concerns, please consult a qualified mental health professional.