In practice, PHQ-9 is best described as:

In practice, PHQ-9 is best described as:

• A. A 5-item clinician-rated scale for mania
• B. A 9-item self-report tool to screen for and monitor severity of depressive symptoms; scores guide severity
• C. A 12-item blood test panel
• D. A 3-item observer-rated scale for anxiety

Answer: (B)

The PHQ-9 is a nine-item self-report questionnaire used to screen for depressive symptoms and to monitor how severe those symptoms are over time. Each item corresponds to DSM-5 depression criteria and asks about experiences over the past two weeks, with responses ranging from “not at all” to “nearly every day.” The total score, from 0 to 27, helps categorize severity (minimal to severe) and guides decisions about further evaluation or treatment. It’s designed to be self-administered, not a blood test, and not a tool for mania or anxiety specifically.

The PHQ-9 is a nine-item self-report questionnaire used to screen for depressive symptoms and to monitor how severe those symptoms are over time. Each item corresponds to DSM-5 depression criteria and asks about experiences over the past two weeks, with responses ranging from “not at all” to “nearly every day.” The total score, from 0 to 27, helps categorize severity (minimal to severe) and guides decisions about further evaluation or treatment. It’s designed to be self-administered, not a blood test, and not a tool for mania or anxiety specifically.