1) Start with the right mindset
Most online questionnaires are not diagnoses. A test result is best viewed as a structured summary of your answers. The goal is to identify patterns, not to assign yourself a fixed label.
2) What a score typically represents
A score usually reflects the frequency or intensity of a pattern in your answers over a specific time window (for example “the last two weeks”). A higher score often means that you endorsed more items or stronger options.
- Low score: fewer symptoms or lower intensity in your answers
- Moderate score: some consistent signs worth monitoring
- High score: stronger or more frequent pattern that may justify action
3) Cutoffs and risk levels (how to read them)
Many tests use cutoffs to turn a continuous score into categories such as low, moderate, or high. These categories are useful for screening, but they are not absolute truths.
- A score near the cutoff is inherently uncertain.
- Life context (sleep, stress, recent events) can shift your answers.
- Two people can have the same score for different reasons.
4) Subscales and profiles (more informative than a single number)
Some tests include subscales (for example, cognitive symptoms vs physical symptoms of anxiety). Subscales can help you see what exactly drives the total score.
- If one subscale is high, focus on that specific area.
- Look for patterns that match your real life experience.
- Use subscales to choose practical next steps.
5) The most common interpretation mistakes
- Taking a score as a diagnosis. Screening is not diagnosis.
- Ignoring time window. “Today” answers can inflate or deflate scores.
- Over-focusing on the number. Item content often matters more.
- Using results to catastrophize. Use results to plan, not panic.
- Forgetting context. Stressful periods can raise many scores temporarily.
6) What to do next (practical actions)
- Review key items: Which questions felt most “true” for you?
- Check impact: Is it affecting sleep, work, relationships, daily routines?
- Monitor over time: Consider retaking the same test later under similar conditions.
- Choose one small step: sleep hygiene, stress reduction, journaling, support conversation.
- Seek professional support if distress is persistent or impairing.
If you feel at risk of harming yourself or are in crisis, contact local emergency services or crisis support immediately.
Helpful related reading
Explore tests
If you want to explore screening and self-reflection tools, visit: All Tests.
FAQ
What does a high score mean?
A high score usually indicates that a pattern of symptoms or traits is frequent or intense in your answers. It is not a diagnosis by itself. Consider context, duration, and impact on daily functioning.
Are cutoffs absolute?
No. Cutoffs are practical thresholds that help categorize scores for screening. They do not guarantee that a condition is present or absent.
When should I talk to a professional?
Consider professional help if distress is significant, persistent, or interferes with daily functioning—especially if you have safety concerns.