PHQ-9 Testing for Depression

Question 1

What is the PHQ-9 used for?

Answer 1

used for screening, diagnosing, monitoring, and measuring the severity of depression

Question 2

What is the grading scale for each question on the PHQ-9?

Answer 2

0-3

Question 3

PHQ-9 Grading

What do each of these value ranges mean?

0-4
5-9
10-14
15-19
20-27

Answer 3

0-4 = none or minimal depression

5-9 = mild; wait and watch; rescreen at nxt appointment

10-14 = moderate; Tx plan, consider counseling/meds

15-19 = moderately severe; active Tx with pharmacotherapy and/or psychotherapy

20-27 = severe; immediate pharmacotherapy initiation; if severe impairment, expedite referral to mental health specialist for psychotherapy and/or collaborative management

Question 4

Patients that answer “yes” to question 9 on the PHQ-9 screening should have what done?

Answer 4

• needs further assessment for suicide risk by an individual who is competent to assess the risk
• question 9 is a single screening question on suicide risk