Mental health: questions answered
Low mood, anxiety, ADHD, therapy and medicines, and who to see about them.
What does a PHQ-9 score of 10 mean?
A PHQ-9 score of 10 means moderate depression symptoms, the lowest score in the 10 to 14 band. It is a screening result, not a diagnosis, and 10 is the point where doctors usually look more closely.
What does a GAD-7 score of 15 mean?
A GAD-7 score of 15 is the start of the severe anxiety band, which runs from 15 to 21. It suggests anxiety is taking up a lot of your days, but it is a screening score, not a diagnosis.
Should I see a psychiatrist or a psychologist?
See a psychiatrist if you may need medicine or a medical diagnosis, and a psychologist if you mainly want talking therapy.
How long do antidepressants take to work?
Antidepressants usually start to help within 1 to 2 weeks and can take up to 8 weeks to work fully.
Is it ADHD or anxiety?
ADHD and anxiety can look alike, but ADHD starts in childhood, while anxiety usually has worry driving the distraction.
Are intrusive thoughts normal?
Intrusive thoughts are normal: many people get sudden, unwanted thoughts or images that feel shocking or completely out of character.
How do I know if I am depressed or just sad?
Being sad usually eases within days, while being depressed means low mood most of the day, nearly every day, for 2 weeks or more.
Does therapy actually work, and what is CBT?
Talking therapy works for depression, anxiety and many other conditions, and CBT is one of the best studied forms.
How can I help a friend who says they want to die?
If a friend says they want to die, take it seriously, ask them directly about suicide, and stay with them. Asking does not put the idea in their head. Studies show it does not increase suicidal thoughts.
Is it normal to feel sad after having a baby?
Feeling sad, tearful or anxious after having a baby is very common, and these baby blues usually pass within 2 weeks of the birth.
How long does grief last?
Grief has no fixed timeline, but for most people the sharpest pain eases gradually over months, while waves of sadness can return for years.