Cutoff score

A cutoff score (or "cut score") is a specific value on an assessment used to classify respondents into categories — for example, "elevated symptoms" vs. "not elevated." Cutoffs are validated against external criteria (such as a clinical diagnosis) and chosen to balance sensitivity and specificity for that population.

Important caveat: a score above a cutoff is not a diagnosis. Cutoffs can guide further evaluation but should be interpreted by a qualified professional and in the context of a person's broader history.