Resources for GPs

Access questionnaires, tip sheets and checklists

Questionnaires

DASS 21

The DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale) is a self-reporting questionnaire designed to measure the emotional states of depression, anxiety and stress. The tool can also be used to evaluate treatment.

Administer the DASS21

K10

The K10 (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale) is widely recommended measure of psychological distress. It can be used as a measure of outcomes following treatment, or as a tool to identify the need for treatment.

Administer the K10

Tip Sheets

The tip sheets below are designed for GP’s to be able to provide to their patients for a range of mental health difficulties. These tip sheets are not developed to replace medical or psychological support for patients but rather assist patients to explore alternate ways in managing their challenges.

  • Anxiety Disorders Tip Sheet

    It is normal to feel anxious or worried at times. However for some people, the feeling of anxiety can be so persistent and overwhelming that people feel controlled by their anxiety, which can be quite debilitating. When someone is feeling persistently anxious in objectively safe situations, it can be described as an anxiety disorder. Such…

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  • Bipolar Disorder Tip Sheet

    Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder in which a person experiences episodes of clinical depression and mania. Effects differ from person to person, with some experiencing normal living periods with small periods of episodes, and some experiencing constant cycles of depression and mania. People with Bipolar Disorder may find that it affects their everyday life.…

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  • Chronic Pain Tip Sheet

    Chronic pain is when a person experiences pain that can range from intense, to a milder level that still significantly impedes functioning. The origin of chronic pain can usually be attributed to an injury or illness that occurred in a person’s life, and the pain they initially feel is a result of this. Sometimes the…

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  • Depression Tip Sheet

    Whilst it is normal to experience short periods when things seem more difficult, if you find these are happening more frequently and more intensely, you might be suffering from what many people refer to as depression. Depression is different to feelings of general sadness – it won’t necessarily have a “cause” or be related to…

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  • Eating Disorders Tip Sheet

    Suffering and recovering from an eating disorder is a very debilitating and challenging experience. There are various types of eating disorders, usually characterised by significantly restricted eating or over-eating. This can affect daily functioning and distort one’s body image perception. It is important for those who suffer disordered eating to seek professional treatment from physical…

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  • Grief and Loss Tip Sheet

    It is normal for a person to grieve after a loved one has passed away, or some other major loss has occurred. Often a significant loss is followed by an influx of different emotions, possibly at a level never previously experienced. People who are grieving may have the thought that the sadness, anger or guilt will never go away.…

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  • Managing Anger Tip Sheet

    What is anger? Anger is a normal emotion. It’s one of many feelings that people can have about things happening in their lives, just like feeling happy or sad. Anger can tell you when to protect yourself, when stand up for yourself, and when you feel your rights (or the rights of someone else) have…

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  • Panic Attack Tip Sheet

    A panic attack is a feeling of an overwhelming sense of sudden fear and anxiety. Almost all conditions of anxiety can have panic attacks in their presentation.  However these attacks most commonly affect those who suffer from panic disorder. A common sign or symptom of Panic Disorder occurs when a person experiences repeated panic attacks.…

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  • Post-Traumatic Stress Tip Sheet

    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD) occurs when a person  nds a traumatic event di cult to overcome because the distressing memories, sensations and emotions associated with it continue to intrude into their day-to-day life. Often people who experience PTSD will consciously or unconsciously decide to avoid certain people, objects, sensations (e.g. sounds, smells) or environments that have some association…

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  • Stress Management Tip Sheet

    Stress is a normal part of life, and can be thought of as an emotional and physical response when we are faced with high demands. The stress response results in chemicals being produced by the body, which increase our ability to focus and elevate our heart rate and blood pressure. This helps us to maintain performance…

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  • Substance Abuse Tip Sheet

    1. Make a Change For most people engaging in substance abuse, the most difficult decision to make is whether or not to give up. They may have a sense that they cannot cope without the substance, so it is understandable that it can initially be very difficult to consider giving up substance use. 2. Consider Treatment Options…

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Checklists

The GP checklists below are designed to assist in measuring specific symptoms for a range of mental health difficulties. Interpretation of these checklists should consider the context of individual circumstances and used only in combination with a comprehensive medical and clinical assessment. They are not stand-alone diagnostic tools but rather to assist in making a clinical assessment.

  • ADHD Checklist

    ADHD is characterised by symptoms from one or both of the following categories: Inattention Symptoms Hyperactivity and Impulsivity If a child, adolescent or adult has experienced 6 or more symptoms from one or both of these categories consistently for at least 6 months, they may meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis. In this case, it is recommended that they be referred to a psychologist…

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  • ASD Checklist

    ASD is characterised by symptoms from the following categories: A) Social and Communication Deficits B) Restricted, Repetitive Behaviours If a child has experienced all symptoms from category A and at least 2 symptoms from category B during their early developmental period and beyond, they may meet criteria for an ASD diagnosis. In this case, it is recommended that they…

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  • Bipolar Disorder Checklist

    If you experience Manic (Hypomanic) & Depressive Episodes, then you may require a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. Check out our bipolar disorder checklist. Depressive Episode If a patient has experienced 5 or more of these symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, over at least a 2 week period, they may be experiencing a Major Depressive Episode. Manic or…

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  • Depression Checklist

    This checklist is designed as a measure of disorder symptomatology. It must be interpreted in the context of individual client circumstances and as such should be used only in combination with a comprehensive medical and clinical assessment. It is NOT a stand-alone diagnostic tool. If a patient has experienced 5 or more of these symptoms…

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  • Eating Disorders Checklist

    This checklist is designed as a measure of disorder symptomatology. It must be interpreted in the context of individual client circumstances and as such should be used only in combination with a comprehensive medical and clinical assessment. It is NOT a stand-alone diagnostic tool. A) Persistent Behaviours Interfering with Weight Gain B) Concerns About Eating and Weight…

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  • Generalised Anxiety Checklist

    This checklist is designed as a measure of disorder symptomatology for anxiety. It must be interpreted in the context of individual client circumstances and as such should be used only in combination with a comprehensive medical and clinical assessment. It is NOT a stand-alone diagnostic tool. If a patient has experienced the first symptom in the above checklist, accompanied…

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  • Intellectual Disability Checklist

    This checklist is designed as a measure of symptomatology. It must be interpreted in the context of individual client circumstances and as such should be used only in combination with comprehensive medical, clinical and standardised cognitive assessments. It is NOT a stand-alone diagnostic tool. If a person has experienced symptoms from all categories during their early developmental period…

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  • Learning Disorder Checklist

    This checklist is designed as a measure of symptomatology. It must be interpreted in the context of individual client circumstances and as such should be used only in combination with comprehensive medical, clinical and standardised cognitive and learning assessments. It is NOT a stand-alone diagnostic tool. If a person has experienced the mandatory criterion and one or more of the above…

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  • ODD Checklist

    This checklist is designed as a measure of disorder symptomatology. It must be interpreted in the context of individual client circumstances and as such should be used only in combination with a comprehensive medical and clinical assessment. It is NOT a stand-alone diagnostic tool. ODD is characterised by frequently exhibiting symptoms from any of the following categories: Angry or irritable mood Argumentative…

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  • Panic Disorder Checklist

    This checklist is designed as a measure of disorder symptomatology. It must be interpreted in the context of individual client circumstances and as such should be used only in combination with a comprehensive medical and clinical assessment. It is NOT a stand-alone diagnostic tool. A Panic Attack is a quick surge of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within…

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  • Self Harm Signs and Risk Factors Checklist

    This checklist is designed to determine behaviours that may indicate a patient is engaging in some form of self harm. The results must be interpreted in the context of an individual’s circumstances and as such should be used only in combination with a comprehensive medical and clinical assessment. It is NOT a stand-alone diagnostic tool. Psychological sign Risk…

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  • Social Anxiety Disorder Checklist

    This checklist is designed as a measure of disorder symptomatology. It must be interpreted in the context of individual client circumstances and as such should be used only in combination with a comprehensive medical and clinical assessment. It is NOT a stand-alone diagnostic tool. If a patient has experienced their symptoms consistently in relation to 1 or more social…

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  • Substance Abuse/Use Disorder Checklist

    This checklist is designed as a measure of disorder symptomatology. The results must be interpreted in the context of an individual’s circumstances and as such should be used only in combination with a comprehensive medical and clinical assessment. It is NOT a stand-alone diagnostic tool. If a patient meets at least 2 of the above criteria with a 1 year…

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  • Suicide Signs and Risk Factors Checklist

    This checklist is designed to determine behaviours that may indicate a patient may be considering suicide. The results must be interpreted in the context of an individual’s circumstances and as such should be used only in combination with a comprehensive medical and clinical assessment. It is NOT a stand-alone diagnostic tool. Signs Risk factors If a patient’s…

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  • Tourette’s Disorder Checklist

    This checklist is designed as a measure of symptomatology. It must be interpreted in the context of individual client circumstances and as such should be used only in combination with comprehensive medical and clinical assessments. It is NOT a stand-alone diagnostic tool. A tic is a sudden, rapid, recurring, non-rhythmic body movement or sound. Tourette’s…

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Match with a Psychologist

Start your journey with Strategic Psychology

Contact us at Strategic Psychology via phone, email or drop in to our office if you would like to make an appointment to see one of our psychologists. No referral is needed to access our services, however, you may be eligible for rebates under Medicare, in which case you will need to obtain a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP.