PHQ-9, GAD-7 and ASRS: How Rating Scales Guide Mental Health Care

At your first visit and at many follow-ups, you may be asked to fill out short questionnaires such as the PHQ-9, GAD-7 or ASRS. They take a few minutes and give your provider numbers to track, so care is guided by data rather than guesswork.

The PHQ-9: depression

Nine questions about the past two weeks: mood, interest, sleep, energy, appetite, concentration and more. Scores of 5, 10, 15 and 20 mark mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe symptoms. The last question asks about thoughts of self-harm, so your provider can make sure you are safe.

The GAD-7: anxiety

Seven questions about worry, restlessness and irritability over the past two weeks. Scores of 5, 10 and 15 mark mild, moderate and severe anxiety.

The ASRS: adult ADHD symptoms

The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale screens for attention and hyperactivity symptoms. A high score means a fuller evaluation is worthwhile. It does not diagnose ADHD on its own, which is why our practice also requires objective ADHD testing for anyone not formally evaluated before.

Why scores are repeated

The real value is the trend. Repeating the same scale every few visits shows whether treatment is working and when a plan needs to change. A drop of half or more in your score is a common sign of good response.

A score is not a diagnosis

Questionnaires are screening and tracking tools. Your provider combines them with your history and a clinical interview to reach a diagnosis.

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 or call 911.

Our providers see adults in person in West Ashley and by secure video anywhere in South Carolina. Request an appointment; new patients are often able to be scheduled within a week of requesting an appointment.

This article is general health information and does not replace advice from your own provider.