Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) is a self-administered screening tool used to assess the severity of depression symptoms over the past two weeks. It includes nine items, each addressing a symptom of depression. The PHQ-9 is commonly used in clinical and personal settings to gauge mental health and identify potential depression.

Question	Not At All	Several Days	More Than Half The Days	Nearly Every Day
1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things.
2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless.
3. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much.
4. Feeling tired or having little energy.
5. Poor appetite or overeating.
6. Feeling bad about yourself — or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down.
7. Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television.
8. Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed. Or the opposite — being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual.
9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way.

Understanding the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

The PHQ-9 is a reliable tool commonly used for screening, diagnosing, monitoring, and measuring the severity of depression. The questionnaire covers nine items, each representing a symptom of depression, providing a quick assessment of mental health over the past two weeks. The PHQ-9 is valuable for both clinical and personal use, offering insights into depression levels and helping in early detection and treatment.

Interpreting Your PHQ-9 Score

Each score range on the PHQ-9 corresponds to different levels of depression severity, helping to identify when symptoms may need attention. A low score suggests minimal or no depression, while higher scores indicate greater severity. It’s important to remember that while the PHQ-9 can be a helpful self-assessment tool, it does not replace professional diagnosis or treatment. Scores above moderate levels are a prompt for consulting with a mental health professional.

Managing Depression Symptoms

If your PHQ-9 score indicates mild or moderate depression, there are various strategies you can try to improve your mood. Physical activities, regular sleep patterns, maintaining a balanced diet, and socializing with supportive people can help manage symptoms. Additionally, setting small, achievable goals and practicing mindfulness can provide relief and improve overall well-being.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms of depression, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial. Mental health providers can offer therapies, medications, or a combination of both to manage symptoms effectively. Seeking support when needed can help prevent depression from impacting various aspects of life, fostering a healthier mental and emotional state.