General Health Questionnaire

A widely-used first step for clinicians wishing to screen individuals for minor psychiatric disorders in the general population and within the community or in non-psychiatric clinical settings, such as primary care or general medical out-patients.  

Suitable for adolescents and adults, there are four questionnaires ranging from a quick and reliable two-minute assessment to a more in-depth 60-question form. They all assess the respondent’s current state and whether that differs from ‘normal’, focusing particularly on the ability to carry out regular functions or the appearance of new and distressing symptoms.  

GHQ picks up on short-term psychiatric disorders but not long-standing psychiatric or other health issues, and is a key route to inform further intervention.