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Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)
This easy to use patient questionnaire is a self-administered version of the PRIME-MD diagnostic instrument for common mental disorders.1 The PHQ-9 is the depression module, which scores each of the 9 DSM-IV criteria as "0" (not at all) to "3" (nearly every day). It has been validated for use in Primary Care.2
Validity has been assessed against an independent structured mental health professional (MHP) interview. PHQ-9 score ≥10 had a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 88% for major depression.1,2 It can even be used over the telephone.3
Credits
PHQ9 Copyright ©Pfizer. Reprinted with permission, courtesy of Pfizer Limited. PRIME-MD ® is a trademark of Pfizer
Document references
- Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB; The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. J Gen Intern Med. 2001 Sep;16(9):606-13. [abstract]
- Dietrich AJ, Oxman TE, Burns MR, et al; Application of a depression management office system in community practice: a demonstration. J Am Board Fam Pract. 2003 Mar-Apr;16(2):107-14. [abstract]
- Pinto-Meza A, Serrano-Blanco A, Penarrubia MT, et al; Assessing depression in primary care with the PHQ-9: can it be carried out over the telephone? J Gen Intern Med. 2005 Aug;20(8):738-42. [abstract]
Acknowledgements
EMIS is grateful to Dr Huw Thomas for writing this article. The final copy has passed scrutiny by the independent Mentor GP reviewing team. ©EMIS 2009.Document ID: 2582
Document Version: 21
Document Reference: bgp25272
Last Updated: 5 Jan 2009
Planned Review: 5 Jan 2011
The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest.
Find out more about updating.
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