Today I want to touch on a questionnaire that you may have heard of or taken before – the PHQ-9, also known as the Patient Health Questionaire-9 item. This questionnaire can be used to help determine the presence of depression, as the questions are based on the diagnostic criteria for depression. The PHQ-9 is used widely in many types of health settings, and can be a quick and easy way to assess for depression in many individuals.
The questions ask about what you have experienced in the last 2 weeks, and the questions ask about your eating, sleeping, energy, concentration, feelings, and interest in regular activities, among a few other items. Responses can vary from not at all, to several days, to more than half of the days, to almost all of the days in the last 2 weeks. The higher the score on the PHQ-9 indicates a greater need for follow-up and/or treatment, which could include repeating the PHQ-9, getting counseling, starting medications, or immediately seeking treatment. A shorter version of the PHQ-9, known as the PHQ-2, is also used in the healthcare setting for an even quicker assessment for depression.
Although I assume you will not see the PHQ-9 or PHQ-2 in every health care setting, what is exciting to me is that I feel like I am hearing and seeing more of it. Like all of the other forms you have to fill out at a provider’s office, the PHQ-9 or 2 is becoming a standard part of the paperwork, and that is important. To me, this is a way to normalize mental illness and make it no different than any other illness.
What are your thoughts? Have you seen the PHQ-9 or 2 before? Have you taken it? Do you feel it is important to have as part of the regular paperwork for any office visit? My hope is that we continue to see the screening for depression increase.