Mental Health Screening Scale Comparison
Choose the right screen for the right concern. Each scale below links to its self-check on Moodfig.
The comparison matrix
| Scale | Measures | Items | Score range | Clinical cut points | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHQ-9 | Depression | 9 | 0–27 | 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 (mild / mod / mod-severe / severe) | Low mood, anhedonia, suicidal ideation screen |
| GAD-7 | Generalized anxiety | 7 | 0–21 | 5 / 10 / 15 (mild / mod / severe) | Worry, nervousness, anxiety screen |
| DASS-21 | Depression + Anxiety + Stress | 21 (3×7) | 0–42 per subscale ×2 | Subscale cut points (normal/mild/mod/severe/extreme) | Separating stress from anxiety & depression |
| WHO-5 | Subjective wellbeing | 5 | 0–100 (reverse-scored) | ≤50 suggests reduced wellbeing; <28 indicates poor | Positive mental health tracking |
| PSS-10 | Perceived stress | 10 | 0–40 | 0–13 low / 14–26 mod / 27–40 high | Life-stress appraisal |
Cut points and score ranges are the published, validated thresholds for each instrument. PHQ-9 item 9 screens for suicidal ideation and should always be taken seriously. Data sources: Kroenke et al., J Gen Intern Med 2001 (PHQ-9); Spitzer et al., Arch Intern Med 2006 (GAD-7); Lovibond & Lovibond 1995 (DASS-21); WHO 1998 (WHO-5); Cohen et al. 1983 (PSS). Retrieved 2026-08-11.
How to choose
- Feeling down / anhedonia: start with PHQ-9; add GAD-7 if anxiety co-occurs.
- Mostly worry / nervousness: GAD-7 is the focused screen.
- Tense, irritable, overwhelmed: DASS-21 separates stress from anxiety and depression.
- Tracking positive wellbeing over time: WHO-5 is the lightest, most repeatable.
- General life-pressure check: PSS-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PHQ-9 and GAD-7?
PHQ-9 (9 items, 0–27) screens for depression; GAD-7 (7 items, 0–21) screens for generalized anxiety. Both use the same 0–3 frequency scale. PHQ-9 cut points are 5/10/15/20; GAD-7 cut points are 5/10/15. Use PHQ-9 for low mood, GAD-7 for worry, and both for comorbid depression and anxiety.
What does DASS-21 measure?
The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) is a 21-item self-report with three 7-item subscales measuring depression, anxiety, and stress separately. It separates "stress" from "anxiety," which PHQ-9/GAD-7 do not distinguish.
Are these screening scales a diagnosis?
No. These are screening and self-tracking tools, not diagnostic instruments. A clinical diagnosis requires evaluation by a licensed mental health professional. High scores indicate a reason to seek professional care.
You are not alone. These free, confidential services are staffed by trained counselors 24/7. If you are thinking about harming yourself, reach out now.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or text 988 (US, 24/7)
- Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741 (US)
- SAMHSA National Helpline1-800-662-4357 (US)
- World Health Organization (WHO)Global mental-health resources
Moodfig is an educational self-tracking tool, not a substitute for professional care. See Mental Health Help (US) for licensed-provider directories and authority sources (NIMH, SAMHSA, APA, WHO).