Mental Health Screening Guides
Evidence-based overviews of validated screening tools — for education only, not diagnosis.
Content last reviewed: July 2026
PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9)
Validated 9-item depression screening tool widely used in primary care and research.
Read guideGAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale)
7-item anxiety severity measure with strong sensitivity for generalized anxiety disorder.
Read guideWHO-5 Well-Being Index
WHO-developed 5-item positive mental well-being screener used globally.
Read guideDASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale)
21-item scale measuring depression, anxiety, and stress subscales.
Read guidePCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5)
20-item self-report measure of PTSD symptoms aligned with DSM-5 criteria.
Read guideAdult ADHD Screening (ASRS)
WHO-supported adult ADHD screening overview: what ASRS measures and when to seek evaluation.
Read guideISI (Insomnia Severity Index)
7-item clinical measure of insomnia severity and daytime impact.
Read guideAUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test — Consumption)
WHO 3-item screen for hazardous alcohol use.
Read guideACE Questionnaire (Adverse Childhood Experiences)
10-item questionnaire on adverse childhood experiences linked to later health outcomes.
Read guideK-10 (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale)
10-item screen of non-specific psychological distress over the past 30 days.
Read guidePSS-10 (Perceived Stress Scale)
10-item measure of how unpredictable, uncontrollable, and overloaded life feels.
Read guideOCI-R (Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory — Revised)
Brief screener for obsessive-compulsive symptom dimensions.
Read guideESS (Epworth Sleepiness Scale)
8-item screen of daytime sleepiness across common situations.
Read guidePHQ-15 (Patient Health Questionnaire — Somatic Symptoms)
15-item screener for common somatic symptom burden.
Read guideCAGE Alcohol Screening Questionnaire
4-item classic screen for possible alcohol use problems.
Read guideRSES (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale)
10-item global self-esteem measure used widely in research and practice.
Read guideMDQ (Mood Disorder Questionnaire)
Screening questionnaire for possible bipolar spectrum symptoms.
Read guide