What is a common screening tool used to assess depression in patients?

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a widely utilized screening tool designed explicitly for assessing depression in patients. It consists of nine questions that evaluate the frequency of depressive symptoms over the past two weeks, allowing healthcare providers to gauge both the severity of depressive symptoms and the impact on daily functioning. This self-administered tool is valuable in both clinical practice and research, leading to effective diagnosis, management, and monitoring of treatment response in individuals with depression.

The PHQ-9’s ease of administration and scoring makes it a preferred choice among healthcare providers, enabling efficient identification of individuals who may require further evaluation or intervention for depressive disorders. Its focus on the diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5 further enhances its relevance in clinical settings. This specific design and intent distinguish the PHQ-9 as the go-to instrument for depression screening compared to the other options listed.