Mental health is a sensitive issue that needs to be taken seriously. Anxiety and depression are some of the most common mental illnesses that people suffer from. The good news is that these conditions can be diagnosed and treated.
One way to diagnose these conditions is through testing. There are several free anxiety and depression tests available online that you can take. In this article, we will explore some of the tests you can take and how they work.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe. It is a normal response to a perceived threat, but it can become excessive and lead to anxiety disorders.
Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions that can be debilitating. They can affect your ability to function in daily life. Some of the symptoms of anxiety disorders include:.
- Excessive worry or fear
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Shortness of breath
- Muscle tension
- Insomnia
- Difficulty concentrating
What is Depression?
Depression is a mental health disorder that affects your mood, thoughts, and behavior. It can have a negative impact on your life and can cause physical symptoms as well. Some of the symptoms of depression include:.
- Feeling sad, empty or hopeless most of the time
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- Feeling tired and lacking energy
- Decreased sex drive
- Feeling guilty or worthless
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of suicide or death
Free Anxiety and Depression Tests
Here are some of the free anxiety and depression tests you can take online:.
1. The PHQ-9 Depression Scale
The PHQ-9 Depression Scale is a self-assessment tool that helps you measure the severity of your depression symptoms. It has nine questions that ask about different symptoms of depression.
Each question has four answer choices ranging from “not at all” to “nearly every day.” The scores range from 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating more severe depression symptoms. The PHQ-9 Depression Scale is widely used in primary care and psychiatric settings.
2. The GAD-7 Anxiety Scale
The GAD-7 Anxiety Scale is a self-assessment tool that helps you measure the severity of your anxiety symptoms. The scale has seven questions that ask about different symptoms of anxiety.
Each question has four answer choices ranging from “not at all” to “nearly every day.” The scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating more severe anxiety symptoms. The GAD-7 Anxiety Scale is widely used in primary care and psychiatric settings.
3. Anxiety Test
The Anxiety Test is an online self-assessment tool that helps you determine whether you have symptoms of anxiety. The test has 21 questions that ask about different symptoms of anxiety.
Each question has four answer choices ranging from “not at all” to “all the time.” The scores range from 0 to 63, with higher scores indicating more severe anxiety symptoms. The Anxiety Test is available on the Mental Health America website.
4. Depression Test
The Depression Test is an online self-assessment tool that helps you determine whether you have symptoms of depression. The test has 18 questions that ask about different symptoms of depression.
Each question has four answer choices ranging from “not at all” to “all the time.” The scores range from 0 to 54, with higher scores indicating more severe depression symptoms. The Depression Test is available on the Mental Health America website.
5. MoodGYM
MoodGYM is an online cognitive behavioral therapy program that helps you learn how to manage your emotions.
It includes several modules that teach you how to identify and challenge negative thoughts, improve your problem-solving skills, and enhance your social skills. MoodGYM also includes assessments of your mood, anxiety, and depression symptoms before and after you complete the program. MoodGYM is available free of charge on the Australian National University website.
6. eMoods
eMoods is a mood tracker app that helps you monitor your mood and symptoms. It allows you to track your mood, anxiety, irritability, and other symptoms every day.
The app also includes charts and graphs that help you understand your mood patterns over time. eMoods is available for free on Android and iOS devices.
Conclusion
Diagnosing anxiety and depression is the first step in treating these conditions. There are several free anxiety and depression tests available online that can help you determine whether you have symptoms of these conditions.
It is important to remember that these tests are not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. If you think you may have anxiety or depression, it is important to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.