Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is a tool used to assess anxiety and depression levels in patients, particularly in hospital settings. It consists of 14 questions divided into two parts: one for anxiety and one for depression. Each question is designed to gauge the emotional state of individuals over the past week. HADS helps healthcare providers identify those who may need further support or treatment for mental health issues, facilitating early intervention. It is widely used because it is quick to complete and effective in a variety of medical settings.