PHQ-9
Validity of a Brief Depression Severity Measure
The PHQ-9 is a multipurpose instrument for screening, diagnosing, monitoring and measuring the severity of depression.
Overview of taking the PHQ-9
The PHQ-9 can be done easily and does not take a significant amount of time. The screener is designed to access depression symptoms over a two week period, below is some basic information about taking the PHQ-9.
The PHQ-9 is self-administered by the patient.
If needed the questions can be asked by an interviewer and answered by the patient.
The PHQ-9 takes 2-5 minutes to complete.
It can be taken before, during, or at the close of an appointment.
Scoring the PHQ-9
The PHQ-9 is calculated by assigning scores of 0, 1, 2, and 3, to the responses.
0 = Not at all
1 = Several days
2 = More than half the days
3 = Nearly every day
The following cut offs correlate with levels of depression symptoms:
Score 5-9: Minimal symptoms
Score 10-14: Minor symptoms
Score 15-19: Major symptoms
Score >20: Major symptoms, severe
What to do?
A score of 10 or higher indicates possible clinically significant depression, respectively.
A score of 15 or higher would indicate follow-up with a mental health professional within a week or two.
