These questions were designed to help healthcare professionals identify signs orsymptoms of depression.
Though, you’re able to alsotake it on your own.
It may also be part of a more comprehensive assessment.
laflor / Getty Images
The PHQ-9 may be a part of a complete psychiatric screening process that evaluates all areas of mental health.
Patients' answers can help identify potential issues in these areas.
PHQ-9 Questionnaire Components
The PHQ-9 test evaluates several factors.
The PHQ-9 test also includes a tenth question.
It is answered if any of the previous nine questions reveal that depression may exist.
This helps identify how much depression may be impacting your life.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
These scores are assigned as follows:
The total score is calculated and can range from zero to 27.
What does your score mean?
The results have repeatedly demonstrated that the PHQ-9 is an effective way to measure depression.
One such study was published in 2019 and looked at 58 different pieces of research involving the PHQ-9 test.
In total, 17,357 men and women were assessed.
They were from all age groups.
Some had been diagnosed with a mental health issue and others had never received a mental health diagnosis.
Thus, it was better at picking up major depression.
Many have reported that it is, some of which have involved patients with epilepsy and other medical issues.
Why Is Evaluating Depression So Important?
Depression can manifest itself in several ways.
These include pain, gastrointestinal issues, and headaches.
Correctly identifying the underlying cause leads to more effective treatment.
A Word From Verywell
The PHQ-9 is a test that can be self-administered.
The PHQ-9 is also short and can be completed in just a couple of minutes.
This free test has been shown to be effective in multiple tweaks and situations.
Identifying depression is an important step in effectively treating the whole person.
The PHQ-9 is an accurate measure of depression, accomplishing this task both quickly and easily.
2012;13(7):595-601. doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2012.06.001
Health Resources & Services Administration.Patient health questionnaire (PHQ) screeners.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.DSM-5 changes: Implications for child serious emotional disturbance [Internet].
2019;365:I1476.
2013;150(3):1001-1007. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2013.05.029
Anxiety and Depression Association of America.Symptoms.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America.Depression treatment and management.
