Get Lightsource HR Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ) 2017-2024

0 to 4 points:No depression5 to 9 points:Mild depression10 to 14 points:Moderate depression15 to 19 points:Moderately severe depression20 to 27 points:Severe depression

Scores less than 5 almost always signified the absence of a depressive disorder; scores of 5 to 9 predominantly represented patients with either no depression or subthreshold (i.e., other) depression; scores of 10 to 14 represented a spectrum of patients; and scores of 15 or greater usually indicated major depression.

The PHQ-9 is intended as a tool to assist clinicians with identifying and diagnosing depression but is not a substitute for diagnosis by a trained clinician. This is used by some clinicians and organizations to screen patients for undiagnosed depression.

A score of 10 to 12 on the EPDS or 5 - 14 on PHQ-9 is a sign of possible depression and may not require immediate referral; use your professional judgement and provide interventions described in the next section. Any positive score on item #10 on the EPDS or #9 on the PHQ-9 requires a referral.

The PHQ-9 total score ranges from 0 to 27 (scores of 5–9 are classified as mild depression; 10–14 as moderate depression; 15–19 as moderately severe depression; ≥ 20 as severe depression) [30].

PHQ-9 scores can be used to plan and monitor treatment. To score the instrument, tally the numbers of all the checked responses under each heading (not at all=0, several days=1, more than half the days=2, and nearly every day=3). Add the numbers together to total the score on the bottom of the questionnaire.

Total score is determined by adding together the scores of each of the 4 items. Scores are rated as normal (0-2), mild (3-5), moderate (6-8), and severe (9-12). Total score ≥3 for first 2 questions suggests anxiety. Total score ≥3 for last 2 questions suggests depression.

The diagnostic validity of the 9-item PHQ-9 was established in studies involving 8 primary care and 7 obstetrical clinics. PHQ-9 scores > 10 had a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 88% for Major Depressive Disorder. Reliability and validity of the tool have indicated it has sound psychometric properties.