What screening tool is commonly used for identifying depression?

The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is widely recognized and utilized for screening, diagnosing, and measuring the severity of depression. It consists of nine questions that correspond to the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder as outlined in the DSM-5. Each question assesses various symptoms of depression experienced over the past two weeks, allowing healthcare providers to obtain a quantifiable score that helps determine the severity of an individual's depressive symptoms.

This tool not only facilitates the initial identification of depression but also plays a significant role in ongoing monitoring and management of the condition, making it valuable for both clinical settings and research. By focusing on specific symptoms such as mood, interest, appetite, sleep disturbances, and concentration, it allows for a comprehensive understanding of how depression is affecting the patient’s daily life.

While other tools like the Beck Depression Inventory are also used to assess depression, the PHQ-9 is favored for its brevity, ease of use, and validation in various populations, providing a standardized method to evaluate depression in both primary care and mental health settings. The other selections mainly serve different purposes, such as anxiety assessment or describing other mental health conditions, thus reinforcing the PHQ-9's position as a primary screening tool for depression.