Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9)

Patient Health Questionnaire-9

 (PHQ-9; Kroenke, Spitzer, & Williams, 2001). 

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 is a 9-item self-report measure assessing depressive symptoms in adults.  

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 can be used as a screening tool, a diagnostic tool, and to monitor symptom change over time.

There exists a separate version for the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for adolescents within the Patient Health Questionnaire-Adolescent Version. Sample items include:

“Little interest or pleasure in doing things” and “Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless.” 

Each item is rated on a scale from zero (“not at all”) to three (“nearly every day”). 

Total scores range from 0-27. 

Meta-analysis of the PHQ-9 diagnostic accuracy compared to independent mental health professional diagnosis demonstrates good criterion validity with a sensitivity of 77% and a specificity of 94 %. 

The PHQ is also validated as an 8- and 2-item measure to assess depression severity. 

The measures are available online: PHQ-9  and PHQ-9A

PHQ Screeners-Instruction Manual, 2010