— Scoring methodology

How we score your results

MindEase uses three clinically validated, freely available self-report instruments. Here is exactly how each one works and what each score range means.

Anxiety Screening

GAD-7

The Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) is a validated 7-item self-report tool developed by Spitzer et al. (2006). It screens for generalized anxiety disorder and is widely used in clinical and research settings.

Questions

Max score

Response scale

Each question is scored 0 (Not at all) to 3 (Nearly every day). Scores are summed.

Score ranges

0–4

Minimal — Anxiety is minimal. Continue healthy habits and self-care.

5–9

Mild — Mild anxiety. Relaxation techniques and mindfulness can help.

10–14

Moderate — Moderate anxiety. Active coping strategies are recommended; consider speaking with a professional.

15–21

Severe — Severe anxiety. Professional support is strongly encouraged.

Depression Screening

PHQ-9

The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) is a validated 9-item self-report tool developed by Kroenke et al. (2001). It is one of the most widely used instruments for screening, diagnosing, monitoring, and measuring the severity of depression.

Questions

Max score

Response scale

Each question is scored 0 (Not at all) to 3 (Nearly every day). Scores are summed.

Score ranges

0–4

Minimal — Minimal depression. Maintain healthy habits.

5–9

Mild — Mild depression. Staying active, social connection, and self-care help.

10–14

Moderate — Moderate depression. Support options including professional help are recommended.

15–19

Moderately Severe — Moderately severe depression. Speaking with a mental health professional is strongly encouraged.

20–27

Severe — Severe depression. Please reach out to a mental health professional or crisis line.

Stress Assessment

PSS

The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was developed by Cohen et al. (1983) and measures the degree to which situations in one's life are appraised as stressful. MindEase uses a 10-item version.

Questions

Max score

Response scale

Questions are scored 0–4. Some items are reverse-scored. Scores are summed.

Score ranges

0–7

Low — Low stress. You appear to be managing well.

8–14

Moderate — Moderate stress. Adding relaxation practices to your routine can help.

15–21

High — High stress. Prioritising stress management and professional support is advisable.

22–28

Very High — Very high stress. Chronic high stress affects both mental and physical health — please consider reaching out.

These tools are screening instruments, not clinical diagnoses. Scores help identify patterns and prompt helpful conversations — they are not a substitute for professional assessment. If you are in distress, please contact a mental health professional or call a crisis line.