PHQ9 - Questioner

What is PHQ-9?
Patient Health Questionnaire 9, or PHQ-9, is a validated self-administered test designed for you to screen out depression. It is one of the most widely used tools with a high specificity and sensitivity for depressive illness. PHQ-9 screening is easy and can provide you with the earliest evaluation of any depressive symptoms.
Mid Cities Psychiatry is offering you a free online test of PHQ-9 in Euless. Whether you have symptoms of mild depression or fighting major depressive disorder, take our free test and reach out to us for comprehensive treatment options.

How Does The PHQ-9 Test Work?
This depression questionnaire consists of a total of 9 questions, which not only evaluate whether you are suffering from depression or not, but also the severity of depression. All PHQ-9 questions align with the DSM-5 criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), which are used to diagnose psychiatric illnesses.



PHQ-9 Scoring
PHQ-9 score interpretation shows the severity of depression. As the test is based on self-reported responses, which are subject to the level of understanding of the person, a clinician review is necessary to make any final diagnosis of depressive disorder. Your score can be interpreted as follows:

FAQs
01
What should I do if I score high on the PHQ-9 assessment?
A test score greater than 5 may indicate depressive symptoms, meaning you should look for expert medical assistance for timely treatment.
02
Does the PHQ-9 form only diagnose depression?
The PHQ-9 test enables healthcare providers to recognize several other mental health conditions, including anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep troubles.
03
How often should I take the PHQ-9 test?
The test should be completed every 2-4 weeks for people who are receiving active depression treatment to monitor their clinical progress. People who test positive for mild depression need to self-monitor their symptoms through testing every 4 to 6 weeks.
04
What is the degree of reliability and validity that PHQ-9 offers?
PHQ-9 is considered a highly reliable tool to identify depression, with a cutoff score of 5. The PHQ-9 test demonstrates a sensitivity rate of 91% and a specificity rate of 77%, thus demonstrating strong effectiveness in screening and diagnosis procedures.
Real Stories, Real Recovery



