Self-assessment tools for evaluating mental health problems
This page was created for readers of a series of books on alternative and integrative treatments in mental health care. It contains links to psychological assessment tools used to evaluate many common mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD and others. Simply click on your particular mental health problem to find an assessment tool that is appropriate for you. Most assessment tools provide a numerical score that indicates whether your symptoms are ‘mild,’ ‘moderate’ or ‘severe.’ You can use this information to optimize your current treatment plan or develop a new treatment plan.
Most tools included on this page are designed to be used by the person who is experiencing a mental health problem. However if you are experiencing mood swings, symptoms of psychosis or cognitive impairment, it is better to ask someone you know and trust to help you answer the questions in an appropriate assessment tool. This will give you a more accurate and more complete understanding of your symptoms.
If you are experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or cognitive impairment that make you feel unsafe or are impairing your ability to function please ask a relative or friend to help you find urgent care.
Finally, be sure to keep a record of your results so that you can track changes in your symptoms. Tracking your symptoms over time will permit you to evaluate your response to different treatment approaches and identify approaches that are more effective.
Below are links to validated assessment tools for the mental health problems covered in this series
Alcohol and drug abuse
CAGE Questionnaire (CAGE) The CAGE (acronym) is a validated and widely used screening tool for determining the presence and severity of alcohol abuse.
The Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) is a 28-item self-report scale designed to indicate the presence of drug abuse.
Anxiety
a. generalized anxiety
Generalized anxiety disorder 7-item scale is a short test that will help you determine whether you have generalized anxiety
Zung self-rating anxiety scale is a more extensive self-inventory that will help you determine the nature and severity of your symptoms of generalized anxiety
b. panic attacks and agoraphobia
Panic and agoraphobia scale will help you determine whether you have panic disorder or agoraphobia
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Adult ADHD self-report scale (ASRS) is a test of the severity of adult ADHD developed by the World Health Organization
Child Attention Deficit Disorder Test was designed to help parents determine whether a child has ADHD
Bipolar disorder
Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale (ASRM) is a short self-assessment tool that will help you determine whether you are experience symptoms of mania or hypomania
The Young mania rating scale (YMRS) provides a more in-depth assessment of symptoms of mania or hypomania than the ASRM. Although generally administered by a trained mental health clinicision this version has been adapted for use as a self-assessment tool.
Cognitive impairment and dementia
Informant questionnaire on cognitive decline in the elderly (IQCODE) is intended to be completed by someone who knows the person who may be experiencing a serious memory problem or other symptoms of cognitive impairment.
Abbreviated mental test score is designed to test for cognitive decline in the elderly. It can also be used to evaluate younger individuals for confusion or other symptoms of cognitive impairment.
Mini-mental state examination is designed to evaluate the severity of cognitive impairment including orientation, memory, problem solving and abstract reasoning.
Depressed mood
(Please note that different self-assessment tools for depressed mood have been developed for different age groups because symptoms of depressed mood may differ significantly depending on stage of life)
Major depression inventory is a self-administered questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization that is available in several languages and can be used by individuals from all world regions
Zung self-rating depression scale is a short 20-question self-administered survey designed to evaluate the severity of depressed mood in all age groups
Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale is a short 11-item self-assessment questionnaire designed for children and adolescents between 12 and 17 years old
Geriatric depression scale is a 30-item questionnaire designed to identify possible symptoms of depressed mood in elderly persons
Insomnia
The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index is a self-assessment questionnaire designed to evaluate symptoms of insomnia and factors that interfere with sleep
Sleep self-assessment quiz is a short self-assessment tool designed to determine whether a sleep problem is present and may be affecting your general health or well-being
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
PTSD check-list (civilian and military versions) are self-inventories designed to determine the severity of PTSD. The link goes to two separate tests. One is intended for use by civilians and the other is intended for military personnel.
Schizophrenia
The schizophrenia screening quiz is a short self-administered survey designed to help individuals determine whether they are experiencing early symptoms of schizophrenia. NOTE: If the results of this quiz suggest that you have symptoms of schizophrenia (or another psychotic disorder) it is prudent to urgently consult with a psychiatrist or other mental health professional for more formal assessment and treatment advice.
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