In today’s fast-paced world, mental health awareness is more important than ever. Understanding your emotional and cognitive wellbeing isn’t just about recognising symptoms—it’s about taking proactive steps towards better mental health. Self-assessment tools are a great starting point, especially for conditions like Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Autism. These tools can offer valuable insights, helping you decide whether to seek professional help or make lifestyle changes. Let’s dive into the top tools designed to help you self-assess for these conditions. 

1. Anxiety Self-Assessment Tools 

Anxiety is more than just feeling nervous or worried. It can be persistent and overwhelming, affecting daily life. Thankfully, several self-assessment tools can help you understand the severity and impact of your anxiety. 

Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) 

One of the most widely used tools, the GAD-7 questionnaire, measures the frequency and intensity of anxiety symptoms over the past two weeks. It asks about nervousness, restlessness, and irritability, giving you a score to help determine whether your anxiety is mild, moderate, or severe. 

Shoorah’s Wellbeing App 

Shoorah offers an innovative and user-friendly approach to mental health self-assessment. With AI-driven tools designed by mental health experts, Shoorah provides personalised feedback based on your responses, making it an excellent choice for understanding your anxiety levels. 

Mind Shift App 

Developed by Anxiety Canada, this app uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to help you challenge anxiety-inducing thoughts. It also offers journaling tools, breathing exercises, and goal-setting features. 

2. OCD Self-Assessment Tools 

OCD is often misunderstood, with many assuming it’s just about being neat or organised. In reality, OCD involves intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours that can be distressing. Self-assessment tools help you recognise patterns and understand if these behaviours are affecting your quality of life. 

Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) 

This is one of the most reliable self-assessment tools for OCD. It evaluates the type and severity of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. The questionnaire is comprehensive, providing a detailed insight into how much time and energy OCD symptoms consume. 

OCD Action App 

This UK-based app is designed to help users understand and manage their OCD symptoms. It offers guided CBT techniques and provides a safe space to track and challenge compulsive behaviours. 

Shoorah’s Symptom Tracker 

Shoorah’s app includes a symptom tracker tailored for OCD, allowing users to monitor their thoughts and behaviours over time. It also offers in-app resources and expert support, bridging the gap between self-assessment and professional help. 

3. Autism Spectrum Self-Assessment Tools 

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by differences in social communication, behaviour, and sensory processing. Early detection and understanding of autism can significantly impact the quality of support and intervention. 

Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) 

Developed by psychologists at the University of Cambridge, the AQ test is a widely recognised self-assessment tool. It consists of 50 questions that explore social skills, communication, imagination, attention to detail, and attention switching. 

RAADS-R (Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised) 

This tool is particularly useful for adults who suspect they may be on the autism spectrum. It focuses on social, sensory-motor, and language patterns, offering a comprehensive overview of autistic traits. 

Shoorah’s Neurodivergent Toolkit 

Shoorah’s app is pioneering the way we understand neurodiversity. Its Vocal-BIO Measuring Tool uses AI to analyse speech patterns, tone, and response times, offering insights into cognitive and emotional states. This innovative approach is particularly useful for self-assessing autism, providing personalised feedback to users. 

4. Why Use Self-Assessment Tools? 

Self-assessment tools are not a substitute for professional diagnosis but they are an invaluable starting point. They help you: 

• Gain Awareness: Recognise patterns and behaviours that might otherwise go unnoticed. 

• Make Informed Decisions: Decide whether to seek professional help or explore self-help strategies. 

• Track Progress: Monitor symptoms over time, helping you evaluate the effectiveness of coping strategies or treatments. 

5. Next Steps and Getting Help 

If your self-assessment indicates moderate to severe symptoms, consider seeking professional support. In the UK, you can: 

• Visit your GP for a referral to a specialist. 

• Access online therapy through platforms like Shoorah, which provides on-demand expert support. 

• Reach out to organisations such as Mind, OCD Action, or the National Autistic Society for additional resources. 

Mental health is a journey, and understanding your own mind is the first step. These self-assessment tools empower you to take control of your wellbeing, guiding you towards the right support and resources. Whether you’re exploring anxiety, OCD, or autism, remember that help is always available. 

If you’re ready to take the first step, explore Shoorah’s wellbeing app for personalised, AI-driven insights designed to support your mental health journey. Start today, because your mental wellbeing matters.