Tools
PHQ-9
PHQ-9: Patient Health Questionnaire
A validated 9-item module for screening, diagnosing, and monitoring the severity of depression.
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Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
Scoring Methodology
| Score Range | Depression Severity | Proposed Treatment Actions |
|---|---|---|
| 0-4 | None-minimal | None |
| 5-9 | Mild | Watchful waiting; repeat PHQ-9 at follow-up |
| 10-14 | Moderate | Treatment plan, consider counseling, follow-up and/or pharmacotherapy |
| 15-19 | Moderately Severe | Active treatment with pharmacotherapy and/or psychotherapy |
| 20-27 | Severe | Immediate initiation of pharmacotherapy and, if severe impairment or poor response to therapy, expedited referral to a mental health specialist |
Citations & References
The PHQ-9 was developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke and colleagues, with an educational grant from Pfizer Inc. No permission required to reproduce, translate, display or distribute.
- Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., & Williams, J. B. (2001). The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(9), 606-613.
- Kroenke, K., & Spitzer, R. L. (2002). The PHQ-9: A new depression diagnostic and severity measure. Psychiatric Annals, 32(9), 509-515.