How we build our tests
Last updated July 2026
Every Healthio+ test is adapted from a published, established questionnaire — not invented in-house. Here is exactly how we build them, where the questions come from, and the honest limits of what a screening tool can do.
Our standards, in short
- Every test is adapted from a published, validated instrument or an established research framework— never made-up “quiz” questions.
- Each test names its source so you can look it up and verify it yourself.
- Your answers are scored entirely in your browser and never saved, sent, or linked to you.
- Every result is a screening tool for reflection, not a diagnosis, and points you to a professional when that's the right next step.
Where our questions come from
For clinical topics we adapt widely used, peer-reviewed screening instruments — the same kind clinicians and researchers reference. Examples include the PHQ-9 for depression, GAD-7 for anxiety, the PCL-5 for PTSD, the ASRS for adult ADHD, and the ACEquestionnaire for childhood adversity. For personality and relationship topics we draw on established frameworks such as the Big Five and attachment theory. The specific source for each test is stated on its page under “Based on”.
How we adapt an instrument
We keep the original items and the validated scoring intact — we don't add, remove, or reword questions in a way that would change what the instrument measures or break its scoring. What we add is plain-language result copy: clear, non-diagnostic explanations of what each score band or profile means, checked against the source instrument's own interpretation guidance. Where an instrument is copyrighted, we use it only where its licence permits.
How scoring works
When you answer, the scoring happens on your device — there is no server round-trip and no account. We store only an anonymous tally of how many people take each test, never who took it or how they answered. You can read the full detail in our Privacy Policy.
Who writes Healthio+
Healthio+ is made by a small editorial team. We are not a substitute for a clinician, and we don't present ourselves as one — which is exactly why we build on published, validated instruments and cite every source, rather than offering personal clinical opinion. If you are a qualified professional and spot something we should correct, we genuinely want to hear from you at help@healthioplus.com.
How we handle sensitive topics
Some screeners touch on self-harm or crisis. When a test includes a high-risk item, we surface crisis and support resourcesalongside the result regardless of the overall score. These tests are a starting point for reflection — if you're in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis line right away.
An honest limit
No online test can diagnose you, and a few minutes of questions can never capture your full context. Treat your result as a prompt for a conversation — with yourself, and where it helps, with a doctor or mental-health professional. See our full Medical Disclaimer.