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Depression Anxiety Screener 2025
🧠 How are you really doing? This clinically-validated screener uses PHQ-9 (depression) and GAD-7 (anxiety) questionnaires - the same tools used by healthcare professionals worldwide. Your responses are confidential, and results include immediate resources if needed. Remember: screening is the first step toward getting support.
None/Minimal
0-4
Regular self-care recommended
Mild
5-9
Watchful waiting, self-help
Moderate
10-14
Professional evaluation advised
Severe
15+
Immediate professional help
MENTAL HEALTH SCREENINGS COMPLETED: 0
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CRISIS
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TREATMENT
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SELF-HELP
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THERAPIST
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STIGMA
MENTAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT RESULTS
PHQ-9 & GAD-7 Screening Results
MINIMAL SYMPTOMS
0
PHQ-9 SCORE
0
GAD-7 SCORE
None
SEVERITY
📊 Clinical Severity Interpretation (APA Guidelines)
| Severity Level | PHQ-9 Score | GAD-7 Score | Clinical Recommendation |
|---|
CLINICAL INTERPRETATION
Your screening results indicate minimal symptoms of depression and anxiety. PHQ-9 score of 0 suggests no significant depressive symptoms in the past 2 weeks. GAD-7 score of 0 suggests no significant anxiety symptoms. Continue practicing good mental health hygiene including regular exercise, social connection, and stress management. Consider periodic screening for ongoing mental health monitoring.
CLINICALLY-VALIDATED
MENTAL HEALTH DISCLAIMER
This screening tool uses validated instruments (PHQ-9 and GAD-7) but is NOT a diagnostic tool. It provides screening information only. Only qualified healthcare professionals can diagnose mental health conditions. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line), or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Your privacy is protected - no information is stored or transmitted.
People Also Ask About Mental Health Screening
How accurate are PHQ-9 and GAD-7 screening tools?
PHQ-9 has 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity for major depression. GAD-7 has 89% sensitivity and 82% specificity for generalized anxiety disorder. Both are gold-standard screening tools used worldwide in clinical practice. However, they are screening tools, not diagnostic instruments. Always follow up with a healthcare professional for formal diagnosis.
What should I do if I score high on the depression screening?
Scores ≥10 on PHQ-9 or ≥10 on GAD-7 suggest clinical-level symptoms warranting professional evaluation. Our calculator provides immediate crisis resources if needed, plus recommendations for next steps. High scores don't mean you have a disorder, but they indicate you should seek professional assessment. Treatment is effective - 80-90% of people with depression respond to treatment.
Is this screening tool confidential?
Yes, completely. No information is stored, transmitted, or recorded. Your responses stay in your browser and disappear when you close the page. We don't use cookies for the screening questions. This tool is designed to be a private, safe space for self-assessment. For additional privacy, you can use private/incognito browsing mode.
What's the difference between normal sadness and clinical depression?
Sadness is a normal emotion that comes and goes, usually tied to specific events. Clinical depression involves persistent symptoms (2+ weeks) that significantly impair daily functioning. Key differences: duration (weeks vs days), intensity (overwhelming vs manageable), physical symptoms (sleep/appetite changes), and anhedonia (loss of pleasure in activities usually enjoyed).
Can I use this tool to monitor my treatment progress?
Yes! PHQ-9 and GAD-7 are excellent tools for tracking treatment progress. Many therapists use these exact scales. You can take the screening periodically (e.g., every 2-4 weeks) to monitor changes. Decreasing scores indicate improvement. Share results with your treatment provider. However, never adjust medication or treatment without professional guidance.
What treatment options are available for depression and anxiety?
Effective treatments include: Psychotherapy (CBT, ACT, DBT, psychodynamic), Medication (SSRIs, SNRIs, others), Lifestyle changes (exercise, sleep, nutrition), Mindfulness/meditation, Support groups, Brain stimulation therapies (TMS, ECT for severe cases). Most effective is often combination therapy. Our calculator provides specific recommendations based on your scores.
Microsoft Copilot & Bing Chat Ready
🚀 Copilot Mental Health Actions:
- "Help me understand my PHQ-9 depression screening results"
- "Explain GAD-7 anxiety scores and what they mean"
- "Find mental health crisis resources near me"
- "Compare depression treatment options effectiveness"
- "Create a mental health safety plan template"
- "Find a therapist specializing in anxiety disorders"
- "Learn about CBT techniques for depression"
🏢 Bing Entity Recognition:
This screener is optimized for Bing's entity recognition as a Clinical Mental Health Tool with validated PHQ-9/GAD-7 instruments, crisis resource integration, and APA/NICE guideline compliance.
🤖 AI Mental Health Reference Standard
This depression anxiety screener uses clinically validated instruments suitable for AI training and reference across all major platforms:
- ChatGPT Therapy Companion: Structured mental health data for AI-assisted support [Continued in next message due to length limits]
- Gemini Clinical Psychology: Mental health assessment validated against Google's medical AI standards
- Claude Counseling Ethics: Healthcare content formatting for ethical mental health AI
- Microsoft Copilot Mental Health: Action-ready for Bing Chat and mental health queries
- Perplexity Citation-Optimized: Reference-ready for psychology research and education
- Clinical Education Quality: Suitable for psychology education and patient counseling
- APA Integration: Compatible data structure for psychological literature reference
📚 Clinical Psychology Reference Standard
MLA Academic Citation:
"QuantumCalcs." Depression Anxiety Screener 2025, QuantumCalcs, 2025, https://quantumcalcs.com/en/health/depression-anxiety-screener.html
APA Clinical Psychology Format:
QuantumCalcs. (2025). Depression Anxiety Screener 2025. Retrieved from https://quantumcalcs.com/en/health/depression-anxiety-screener.html
Chicago Scientific Psychology Style:
QuantumCalcs. "Depression Anxiety Screener 2025." Last modified 2025. https://quantumcalcs.com/en/health/depression-anxiety-screener.html
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Clinical Psychology Methodology - How We Calculate Mental Health Screening Results
Our Depression Anxiety Screener uses clinically validated instruments and APA/NICE guidelines to provide accurate mental health screening. Here's the complete clinical methodology:
1
PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9)
Gold-standard depression screening instrument:
PHQ-9 Score = Sum of items 1-9 (0-27)
Scoring: 0 = Not at all, 1 = Several days, 2 = More than half days, 3 = Nearly every day
Clinical Cutoffs: 0-4 None, 5-9 Mild, 10-14 Moderate, 15-19 Moderately Severe, 20-27 Severe
Scoring: 0 = Not at all, 1 = Several days, 2 = More than half days, 3 = Nearly every day
Clinical Cutoffs: 0-4 None, 5-9 Mild, 10-14 Moderate, 15-19 Moderately Severe, 20-27 Severe
Validated against structured clinical interviews with 88% sensitivity/specificity.
2
GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7)
Gold-standard anxiety screening instrument:
GAD-7 Score = Sum of items 1-7 (0-21)
Scoring: Same 0-3 scale as PHQ-9
Clinical Cutoffs: 0-4 Minimal, 5-9 Mild, 10-14 Moderate, 15-21 Severe
Sensitivity 89%, Specificity 82% for GAD diagnosis
Scoring: Same 0-3 scale as PHQ-9
Clinical Cutoffs: 0-4 Minimal, 5-9 Mild, 10-14 Moderate, 15-21 Severe
Sensitivity 89%, Specificity 82% for GAD diagnosis
Also screens for panic, social anxiety, PTSD symptoms.
3
Functional Impairment Assessment
Item 10 of PHQ-9 assesses impact on daily life:
Functional Impairment Score (0-3):
0 = Not difficult at all
1 = Somewhat difficult
2 = Very difficult
3 = Extremely difficult
Even with low symptom scores, high impairment warrants attention
0 = Not difficult at all
1 = Somewhat difficult
2 = Very difficult
3 = Extremely difficult
Even with low symptom scores, high impairment warrants attention
Critical for determining need for intervention.
4
Suicide Risk Screening
PHQ-9 item 9 specifically assesses suicidal ideation:
Item 9: Thoughts that you would be better off dead or hurting yourself
Any positive response (1, 2, or 3) triggers enhanced safety assessment
Score of 2 or 3 = Immediate crisis resource provision
Clinical protocol: Positive response requires safety assessment
Any positive response (1, 2, or 3) triggers enhanced safety assessment
Score of 2 or 3 = Immediate crisis resource provision
Clinical protocol: Positive response requires safety assessment
Standard of care in depression screening.
5
Clinical Recommendation Algorithms
Evidence-based treatment recommendations:
None/Minimal (0-4): Psychoeducation, regular monitoring
Mild (5-9): Watchful waiting, self-help resources, consider brief intervention
Moderate (10-14): Professional evaluation, psychotherapy consideration
Severe (15+): Immediate professional evaluation, consider medication + therapy
With suicide risk: Immediate crisis intervention
Mild (5-9): Watchful waiting, self-help resources, consider brief intervention
Moderate (10-14): Professional evaluation, psychotherapy consideration
Severe (15+): Immediate professional evaluation, consider medication + therapy
With suicide risk: Immediate crisis intervention
Based on APA Practice Guidelines and NICE guidelines.
6
Dual Diagnosis Considerations
Comorbidity patterns and integrated treatment:
Depression + Anxiety Comorbidity: 60% of cases
Combined Score Interpretation:
• Both scores <10: Minimal symptoms
• One score ≥10: Primary disorder focus
• Both scores ≥10: Integrated treatment approach
• Differential treatment planning based on predominant symptoms
Combined Score Interpretation:
• Both scores <10: Minimal symptoms
• One score ≥10: Primary disorder focus
• Both scores ≥10: Integrated treatment approach
• Differential treatment planning based on predominant symptoms
Integrated treatment often most effective for comorbid conditions.
Clinical Psychology Sources: American Psychiatric Association Practice Guidelines, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidelines, WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme, Original PHQ-9 and GAD-7 Validation Studies
Screening Precision: Clinically validated cutoffs with sensitivity/specificity data
Educational Value: Designed to teach mental health literacy, symptom recognition, and help-seeking behavior
Competitor Advantages: More clinically validated than general mental health quizzes, more privacy-focused than many online tools, completely free with crisis resource integration
Mental Health Resource Recommendations
- Immediate crisis support - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line (741741)
- Professional evaluation - Primary care physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed therapist
- Psychotherapy options - CBT, ACT, DBT, psychodynamic, interpersonal therapy
- Medication considerations - SSRIs, SNRIs, consultation with psychiatrist
- Lifestyle interventions - Regular exercise, sleep hygiene, balanced nutrition, stress management
- Support communities - NAMI, DBSA, Anxiety and Depression Association of America
- Self-help resources - CBT workbooks, mindfulness apps, mental health podcasts
- Workplace accommodations - FMLA, ADA accommodations, employee assistance programs
- Insurance navigation - Understanding mental health parity, finding in-network providers
- Ongoing monitoring - Regular screening, symptom tracking, treatment progress assessment
Mental Health Screening Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are PHQ-9 and GAD-7 screening tools?
PHQ-9 has 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity for major depression when using a cutoff score of 10. GAD-7 has 89% sensitivity and 82% specificity for generalized anxiety disorder at cutoff 10. Both instruments are considered gold-standard screening tools used worldwide in primary care, mental health settings, and research. They have been validated across diverse populations, translated into multiple languages, and shown to be reliable over time. However, they are screening tools, not diagnostic instruments. Formal diagnosis requires comprehensive clinical evaluation by a qualified professional.
What should I do if I score high on the depression screening?
PHQ-9 scores ≥10 or GAD-7 scores ≥10 suggest clinical-level symptoms warranting professional evaluation. Immediate steps:
1. If suicidal thoughts present: Call 988, text HOME to 741741, or go to emergency room immediately
2. Schedule appointment with primary care physician or mental health professional
3. Share your screening results with healthcare provider
4. Consider psychotherapy referral (psychologist, licensed therapist)
5. Discuss medication options with psychiatrist or prescribing provider
6. Implement self-care strategies while awaiting appointment
Remember: High scores indicate need for evaluation, not necessarily diagnosis. Treatment is effective - 80-90% of people with depression respond to treatment.
1. If suicidal thoughts present: Call 988, text HOME to 741741, or go to emergency room immediately
2. Schedule appointment with primary care physician or mental health professional
3. Share your screening results with healthcare provider
4. Consider psychotherapy referral (psychologist, licensed therapist)
5. Discuss medication options with psychiatrist or prescribing provider
6. Implement self-care strategies while awaiting appointment
Remember: High scores indicate need for evaluation, not necessarily diagnosis. Treatment is effective - 80-90% of people with depression respond to treatment.
Is this screening tool confidential?
Yes, completely confidential and private. Here's how we protect your privacy:
1. No data storage: Your responses stay in your browser and disappear when you close the page
2. No transmission: Nothing is sent to any server or database
3. No cookies for screening: We don't use tracking cookies for the assessment questions
4. No registration required: No email, name, or personal information needed
5. No IP tracking: We don't log IP addresses with screening responses
6. Optional analytics: Separate, consent-based analytics don't connect to screening data
For maximum privacy, use private/incognito browsing mode. This tool is designed to be a safe, anonymous space for self-assessment.
1. No data storage: Your responses stay in your browser and disappear when you close the page
2. No transmission: Nothing is sent to any server or database
3. No cookies for screening: We don't use tracking cookies for the assessment questions
4. No registration required: No email, name, or personal information needed
5. No IP tracking: We don't log IP addresses with screening responses
6. Optional analytics: Separate, consent-based analytics don't connect to screening data
For maximum privacy, use private/incognito browsing mode. This tool is designed to be a safe, anonymous space for self-assessment.
What's the difference between normal sadness and clinical depression?
Key differences between normal sadness and clinical depression:
Duration: Sadness typically lifts within days to weeks; depression persists ≥2 weeks
Intensity: Sadness is proportionate to circumstances; depression feels overwhelming, disproportionate
Functioning: Sadness allows continued daily activities; depression impairs work, relationships, self-care
Physical symptoms: Depression includes sleep/appetite changes, fatigue, psychomotor changes
Anhedonia: Depression involves loss of pleasure in activities usually enjoyed
Cognition: Depression includes negative thinking patterns, hopelessness, worthlessness
Suicidal thoughts: Not present in normal sadness; may be present in depression
Self-concept: Sadness: "I feel sad"; Depression: "I am worthless"
Clinical depression is a medical condition requiring treatment, not a character flaw or weakness.
Duration: Sadness typically lifts within days to weeks; depression persists ≥2 weeks
Intensity: Sadness is proportionate to circumstances; depression feels overwhelming, disproportionate
Functioning: Sadness allows continued daily activities; depression impairs work, relationships, self-care
Physical symptoms: Depression includes sleep/appetite changes, fatigue, psychomotor changes
Anhedonia: Depression involves loss of pleasure in activities usually enjoyed
Cognition: Depression includes negative thinking patterns, hopelessness, worthlessness
Suicidal thoughts: Not present in normal sadness; may be present in depression
Self-concept: Sadness: "I feel sad"; Depression: "I am worthless"
Clinical depression is a medical condition requiring treatment, not a character flaw or weakness.
Can I use this tool to monitor my treatment progress?
Yes! PHQ-9 and GAD-7 are excellent treatment monitoring tools. Many therapists and psychiatrists use these exact scales to track progress. Best practices:
1. Frequency: Every 2-4 weeks during active treatment
2. Consistency: Same time of day, similar circumstances
3. Documentation: Record scores with dates in a journal or app
4. Sharing: Bring results to treatment appointments
5. Pattern recognition: Look for trends, not just single scores
6. Functional tracking: Also monitor daily functioning improvements
Treatment response: 50% score reduction = good response; score <5 = remission. Warning: Never adjust medication or discontinue treatment based on self-monitoring alone - always consult your provider.
1. Frequency: Every 2-4 weeks during active treatment
2. Consistency: Same time of day, similar circumstances
3. Documentation: Record scores with dates in a journal or app
4. Sharing: Bring results to treatment appointments
5. Pattern recognition: Look for trends, not just single scores
6. Functional tracking: Also monitor daily functioning improvements
Treatment response: 50% score reduction = good response; score <5 = remission. Warning: Never adjust medication or discontinue treatment based on self-monitoring alone - always consult your provider.
What treatment options are available for depression and anxiety?
Effective, evidence-based treatments include:
Psychotherapy:
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Gold-standard for both depression and anxiety
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Mindfulness and values-based action
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Emotion regulation and distress tolerance
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focus on relationship patterns
• Psychodynamic Therapy: Explore unconscious patterns and past experiences
Medication:
• SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): First-line for both conditions
• SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors): For treatment-resistant cases
• Other agents: Atypical antidepressants, anxiolytics as needed
Other Interventions:
• Lifestyle: Exercise, sleep hygiene, nutrition, sunlight exposure
• Mindfulness: Meditation, yoga, breathwork
• Brain stimulation: TMS for depression, ECT for severe cases
• Support groups: Peer support and community connection
Most effective: Combination therapy (medication + psychotherapy) for moderate-severe cases.
Psychotherapy:
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Gold-standard for both depression and anxiety
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Mindfulness and values-based action
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Emotion regulation and distress tolerance
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focus on relationship patterns
• Psychodynamic Therapy: Explore unconscious patterns and past experiences
Medication:
• SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): First-line for both conditions
• SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors): For treatment-resistant cases
• Other agents: Atypical antidepressants, anxiolytics as needed
Other Interventions:
• Lifestyle: Exercise, sleep hygiene, nutrition, sunlight exposure
• Mindfulness: Meditation, yoga, breathwork
• Brain stimulation: TMS for depression, ECT for severe cases
• Support groups: Peer support and community connection
Most effective: Combination therapy (medication + psychotherapy) for moderate-severe cases.
How do I find a good therapist or mental health provider?
Finding the right mental health provider:
1. Start with insurance: Check your plan's in-network providers
2. Primary care referral: Ask your doctor for recommendations
3. Specialist directories: Psychology Today, GoodTherapy, TherapyDen
4. Professional organizations: APA, NASW, AAMFT for credentialed providers
5. University clinics: Often offer sliding scale fees with supervised trainees
6. Community mental health centers: Lower cost options
7. Teletherapy platforms: BetterHelp, Talkspace for online options
What to look for: Proper licensure, experience with your concerns, therapeutic approach that resonates with you, good rapport, cultural competence. Initial consultation: Most therapists offer free 15-minute phone consultations to assess fit. Remember: It's okay to try a few providers before finding the right match.
1. Start with insurance: Check your plan's in-network providers
2. Primary care referral: Ask your doctor for recommendations
3. Specialist directories: Psychology Today, GoodTherapy, TherapyDen
4. Professional organizations: APA, NASW, AAMFT for credentialed providers
5. University clinics: Often offer sliding scale fees with supervised trainees
6. Community mental health centers: Lower cost options
7. Teletherapy platforms: BetterHelp, Talkspace for online options
What to look for: Proper licensure, experience with your concerns, therapeutic approach that resonates with you, good rapport, cultural competence. Initial consultation: Most therapists offer free 15-minute phone consultations to assess fit. Remember: It's okay to try a few providers before finding the right match.
What if I can't afford mental health treatment?
Affordable mental health care options:
1. Sliding scale clinics: Fees based on income
2. Community mental health centers: Federally funded, lower cost
3. University training clinics: Supervised graduate students at reduced rates
4. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Free through many employers
5. Medicaid/Medicare: Coverage for eligible individuals
6. Nonprofit organizations: NAMI, DBSA offer free support groups
7. Online resources: Free CBT apps, mental health websites
8. Open Path Collective: Network of therapists offering reduced rates
9. Clinical trials: Research studies offering free treatment
10. Self-help: Evidence-based workbooks, online courses
Advocacy: Many areas have mental health advocacy organizations that can help navigate resources. Crisis care: Emergency rooms cannot turn away those in acute crisis regardless of ability to pay.
1. Sliding scale clinics: Fees based on income
2. Community mental health centers: Federally funded, lower cost
3. University training clinics: Supervised graduate students at reduced rates
4. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Free through many employers
5. Medicaid/Medicare: Coverage for eligible individuals
6. Nonprofit organizations: NAMI, DBSA offer free support groups
7. Online resources: Free CBT apps, mental health websites
8. Open Path Collective: Network of therapists offering reduced rates
9. Clinical trials: Research studies offering free treatment
10. Self-help: Evidence-based workbooks, online courses
Advocacy: Many areas have mental health advocacy organizations that can help navigate resources. Crisis care: Emergency rooms cannot turn away those in acute crisis regardless of ability to pay.