Our Methods
Content Development
MoodSpan articles are developed through a structured process designed to maximize clinical accuracy:
- Taxonomy curation — We maintain a taxonomy of mental health topics based on DSM-5-TR categories, clinical screeners, and common symptom queries.
- Data grounding — Each article is informed by clinical data including DSM criteria, evidence confidence scores, and screening alignment data where available.
- Writing and review — Articles follow strict clinical writing guidelines with structured formats, citation requirements, and non-diagnostic language standards.
- Validation — Content is validated for structural completeness, factual consistency, and citation presence.
Writing Standards
- College reading level — accessible but clinically precise
- Non-diagnostic language — “patterns consistent with” rather than “you have”
- DSM-5-TR criteria cited where applicable
- Prevalence data from DSM-5-TR or NIMH estimates (no fabricated statistics)
- Clear distinction between established findings and emerging research
- Every article includes “when to seek help” guidance
Quality Controls
- Articles contain 5-10 substantive sections covering the topic in depth
- FAQ sections target real search queries in a People Also Ask format
- Each article includes 3-6 citations from peer-reviewed or clinical sources
- Content is grounded in existing clinical databases when available
- Medical disclaimers are included on every clinical page
Limitations
While we strive for accuracy, our content has inherent limitations:
- Content may not reflect the most current research at any given time
- Individual clinical presentations vary — our content describes general patterns, not individual cases
- This resource is not a substitute for professional clinical assessment