Editorial Guidelines
How we create, review, and maintain accuracy in our depression screening content
Sources verified: August 15, 2026
We are committed to providing accurate, evidence-based information about depression screening. This page explains our content standards and quality assurance processes.
Source Standards
All content on Depression Test Online is based on reputable sources:
- PHQ (Patient Health Questionnaire) instruments developed by Pfizer and researchers at Columbia University
- Peer-reviewed research publications and established references
- Official institutional sources (e.g., NIMH, WHO) where applicable
- Clear labeling of screening limitations and intended use
- Regular checks to keep references current
Screening Instruments
Our assessment tools follow the original research specifications:
- PHQ-9: Widely used screening questionnaire with extensive research backing
- PHQ-2: Ultra-brief screening questionnaire
- Teen mood self-check: Educational site adaptation, explicitly not presented as the complete PHQ-A
- EPDS: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale for perinatal screening
- Scoring follows the original research specifications
Content Review Process
Our content is developed and maintained through:
- Initial drafting based on peer-reviewed literature
- Verification of key terms and factual accuracy
- Regular updates when new research is published
- Ongoing review of user feedback and error reports
- Periodic re-checks of external references
Evidence Standards
We prioritize high-quality evidence:
- Preference for meta-analyses and systematic reviews
- Direct citation of original research publications
- Links to PubMed and official institutional sources
- Clear labeling of established facts vs. emerging research
- Transparent disclosure of screening tool limitations
What We Don't Do
To maintain clinical integrity, we explicitly do not:
- Provide medical diagnoses or treatment recommendations
- Suggest specific medications, dosages, or therapies
- Claim our tools can replace professional evaluation
- Make predictions about individual treatment outcomes
- Accept payment for favorable coverage, rankings, or content placement
Update Schedule
We maintain content freshness through:
- Screening tools: Annual review or upon new validation studies
- Clinical information: Quarterly review cycle
- Resource links: Monthly verification
- DSM/ICD updates: Immediate review upon new editions
PHQ Research Foundation
Our primary screening questionnaire, the PHQ-9, was developed by Kurt Kroenke, Robert Spitzer, and Janet Williams. We link to the original validation publication and distinguish that research from this site's digital implementation.
Learn more about our research basisReport Content Concerns
If you identify any content that appears inaccurate, outdated, or potentially harmful, please contact us. We take accuracy seriously and will review reported issues promptly.
Contact usEditorial Independence
Our content is developed independently from primary research and reputable institutional sources. The site does not display advertising, accept paid placement, or include commission-earning links. Source verification is not a substitute for review by a named licensed clinician.