PHQ-9 Patient Health Questionnaire

Introduction

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a widely used screening and assessment tool for depression. The questionnaire consists of 9 items based on the depression symptom criteria in DSM-IV diagnostic standards. PHQ-9 can not only be used to screen for depression but also assess the severity of depressive symptoms and treatment effectiveness.

Test Instructions

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems? Choose the option that best describes your situation. Each question has four choices: Not at all, Several days, More than half the days, Nearly every day.

Scoring Method

• Total Score: Sum of all 9 items, range 0-27 points
• Scoring: Not at all=0, Several days=1, More than half the days=2, Nearly every day=3
• Severity: 0-4 = minimal/none, 5-9 = mild, 10-14 = moderate, 15-19 = moderately severe, 20-27 = severe depression

Dimension Explanation

1. Loss of Interest：Little interest or pleasure in doing things
2. Depressed Mood：Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
3. Sleep Problems：Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
4. Fatigue：Feeling tired or having little energy
5. Appetite Changes：Poor appetite or overeating
6. Self-Worth：Feeling bad about yourself or that you are a failure
7. Concentration：Trouble concentrating on things
8. Psychomotor：Moving or speaking slowly, or being fidgety/restless
9. Self-Harm Thoughts：Thoughts of being better off dead or hurting yourself

Notes

1. This scale is suitable for screening and assessing depressive symptoms in adults
2. If total score ≥10, professional evaluation is recommended
3. If item 9 (self-harm thoughts) scores ≥1, immediate professional help is needed
4. This scale is for screening purposes only and cannot replace professional diagnosis

References

• 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.