Mental health screening for anxiety (GAD-7) & depression (PHQ-8)
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Learn what a mental health screening is, how it's different from a test, and types of screenings including the GAD-7 anxiety and the PHQ-8 depression screenings.
Everyone has days when they feel off. However, when sadness, anxiety— or general feelings that you’re not yourself—start to impact your daily life, it might be time to take a closer look at your mental health. After all, it’s just as important for your wellbeing as your physical health.
Online mental health screenings can help you identify potential mental health concerns, such as anxiety symptoms and depression symptoms, and determine whether to seek professional help.
What is a mental health screening?
Mental health screenings are a way to check how you're doing emotionally and psychologically. Think of it as a self-checkup for your mind— a way to gauge your feelings, behaviors, and thoughts.
There are different types of online mental health screenings. You may have heard terms like the GAD-7 anxiety screening or the PHQ-8 depression screening. These are designed to help you figure out if what you're experiencing is relatively common, or if perhaps you’re experiencing mental health symptoms of anxiety or depression.
The difference between a mental health screening vs a mental health test
It’s important to remember that these mental health screenings aren’t diagnostic tests and cannot tell you for sure if you have a mental health condition. However, they can help you determine if it's time to talk to a professional.
For example, if you've been feeling very worried, sad, or uninterested in things you usually enjoy, a mental health screen might help you understand if these feelings are passing emotions, or signs of a more serious issue. If a screening indicates you might be dealing with a mental health issue, the next step might be to talk with a healthcare professional for a full diagnostic evaluation, and guidance on what to do next.
Do I need a mental health screening?
If you’re wondering whether you need mental health screening, think about how you've been feeling and acting lately. Have there been changes in your mood, thoughts, or behaviors that seem different or troubling to you? Everyone has bad days or feels down occasionally, but when these feelings persist, something more serious might be going on.
Signs and symptoms that might suggest it's time to consider a mental health screening
If you're noticing any of the following signs in yourself, a mental health screening might be beneficial. If you understand what’s going on, it can be easier to find the right support and treatment to help you to feel better and live well.
Persistent sadness: Feeling down, sad, or hopeless most of the time, not just for a few days.
Excessive worry or anxiety: Constantly feeling anxious, worried, or scared about aspects of your life, making it hard to relax or feel at ease.
Changes in sleeping or eating habits: Sleeping a lot more or a lot less than usual, or experiencing significant changes in your appetite or weight without trying.
Loss of interest: Not enjoying activities or hobbies that used to bring you happiness.
Difficulty concentrating: Finding it hard to focus on tasks at work, school, or home.
Feeling overwhelmed: Feeling like you can't cope with the demands of daily life.
Mood swings: Rapid changes in your mood — feeling fine one moment and upset or angry the next.
What are the different types of mental health screenings?
There are several types of mental health screenings designed to assess different aspects of your emotional and psychological wellbeing. Each screen focuses on specific symptoms or conditions, providing insights that can help guide you and healthcare professionals in understanding your mental health better.
Screening for PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder)
Designed to identify symptoms related to PTSD, which can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, questions typically focus on aspects like flashbacks, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, heightened reactivity, and mood changes.
Bipolar disorder screening
Bipolar disorder screenings aim to detect signs like significant mood swings from manic highs to depressive lows. The questions in these screenings assess fluctuations in mood, energy levels, activity, and behavior.
ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) screening
ADHD screenings focus on identifying symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These screenings can help distinguish between normal levels of distractibility or energy and those associated with ADHD.
Anxiety screenings
While GAD-7 anxiety screenings are most commonly used to look for general anxiety disorder, they can also be used to screen for specific anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety, panic disorder, or phobias. These screenings explore fears, physical symptoms of anxiety, and how these feelings affect daily life.
Depression screenings
Depression assessments, including the PHQ-8 screen, can help identify types of depressive disorders, by examining the intensity and duration of symptoms including sadness, loss of interest, and changes in sleep or appetite.
Personality disorder screening
These screenings can help identify patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that differ significantly from the expectations of society, and are consistent across various situations.
What is the GAD-7 Anxiety screening?
The GAD-7 Anxiety screening is designed to help people understand whether they might be experiencing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. The screen consists of seven questions about how you've been feeling over the past two weeks, particularly regarding anxiety.
How the GAD-7 works
When you take the GAD-7 screening, you'll be asked to think about whether you've felt nervous, anxious, or on edge in recent days. The questions also ask if you've been worrying too much about different things, having trouble relaxing, or feeling so restless that it's hard to sit still.
After completing the screen, your answers are scored to give you an idea of the severity of your anxiety symptoms.
0–4: Minimal anxiety
5–9: Mild anxiety
10–14: Moderate anxiety
15–21: Severe anxiety
The GAD-7 screening is a questionnaire-like tool and is not diagnostic. This means it can't diagnose generalized anxiety disorder by itself. If you're experiencing symptoms of an anxiety disorder, or your score suggests moderate or severe anxiety, seek professional advice for a full assessment and to discuss treatments or strategies to manage your anxiety.
The GAD-7 is widely used because it's quick, simple, and can give both you and healthcare providers a snapshot of what you're experiencing.
What is the PHQ-8 Depression screening?
The PHQ-8 Depression screening helps identify signs of depression by asking about your feelings and experiences over the past two weeks. It focuses on eight specific questions that relate to common symptoms of depression, such as feeling down, trouble sleeping, or losing interest in activities you usually enjoy.
How the PHQ-8 works
Each question in the PHQ-8 asks about a different symptom of depression, such as feeling hopeless, having little energy, or experiencing changes in your appetite. The questions are designed to reflect the main symptoms that people with depression often face.
Each answer is scored to give an overall picture of your mood and behavior. The total score helps indicate whether you might be experiencing depressive symptoms and how severe they might be. Your score isn't a diagnosis, but it can show whether your symptoms are likely mild, moderate, or severe. This can guide you on what steps to take next, whether it's monitoring your feelings or talking to someone you trust.
If your PHQ-8 score suggests you might be dealing with depressive symptoms, talk to a healthcare provider for a full evaluation. They can discuss your results and work with you to decide the best course of action.
If you’re feeling down, taking the PHQ-8 screening is a proactive way to protect your mental health.
What to do after a mental health screening
After taking a mental health screening like the GAD-7 or PHQ-8, you might wonder what to do next. Understanding your results and deciding on the next steps are important in addressing any concerns you may have about your mental health. It’s a brave, positive step in supporting your wellbeing.
1. Interpret your results
The score from a mental health screening gives you a snapshot of how you're feeling right now. A higher score suggests more significant symptoms, but these screenings aren’t a final diagnosis.
2. Consult a healthcare professional
If your screening results suggest potential issues, talk to a healthcare professional like your family doctor, a psychologist, or a psychiatrist. They can conduct a more comprehensive evaluation, discuss your results, and help you understand the context of your symptoms.
3. Understand that it's a starting point
Think of your screening results as the beginning of a journey toward better understanding your mental health and finding the right support.
4. Seek further evaluation and treatment
If a healthcare professional finds you have a mental health condition, they can recommend the best treatment options for you, such as therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes.
5. Stay informed and proactive
If you have a mental health condition, keep learning about it, and engage actively in your treatment plan. Staying informed and involved can make a big difference in your recovery and wellbeing.
6. Build a support system
Share your feelings and experiences with trusted friends or family members. Support from loved ones can be a powerful help in your mental health journey.
Mental health screening FAQs
Can mental health screening diagnose mental health conditions?
Mental health screenings are tools that can help you understand whether you're experiencing symptoms related to a mental health condition. However, they’re not designed to provide a diagnosis — only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose a mental health condition. A healthcare provider can achieve a more thorough assessment by speaking with you, understanding your history, and sometimes administering other screenings. While online mental health screenings are helpful for identifying potential issues, they're just the first step toward getting a diagnosis.
How often should I use mental health screening tools?
Mental health screening tools can be beneficial if you notice concerning changes in your feelings, thoughts, or behaviors, or if you're going through significant life changes that might affect your mental health. For some, taking a screening periodically, such as once a year, can be a good way to check in on their mental health, much like a regular physical health check-up.
Are online mental health screenings confidential and secure?
Most reputable websites that offer mental health screenings aim to keep your information confidential and secure. However, always read the website's privacy policy before taking a screen to understand how your data will be used. Keep in mind that while these sites strive to protect your privacy, sharing personal information online always carries some level of risk.
What should I do if I’m unable to access professional help immediately after screening?
If you're unable to access professional help immediately but your screening results suggest you might need support, there are several steps you can take:
Seek out online resources or helplines offering mental health support.
Reach out to trusted friends or family members about how you're feeling — sharing your concerns with someone you trust can bring relief.
Look for support groups or mental health organizations in your community for guidance and help.
How can I support a loved one who’s shown concerning results in a mental health screening?
If a loved one has taken a mental health screening and the results are concerning, the best thing you can do is offer your support and encourage them to seek professional help. Listen to them without judgment, express your concern for their wellbeing, and remind them that seeking help is a sign of strength. You can also help them research healthcare providers or offer to accompany them to an appointment. Just being there for them can make a big difference.
Calm your mind. Change your life.
Mental health is hard. Getting support doesn't have to be. The Calm app puts the tools to feel better in your back pocket, with personalized content to manage stress and anxiety, get better sleep, and feel more present in your life.
Images: Getty
