PHQ-9 — Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a widely used, evidence-based depression screening tool designed to help identify the presence and severity of depressive symptoms.
A Reliable Screening Tool for Depressive Symptoms
At Ahava Shalom Family Counseling Center, the PHQ-9 is used as part of an initial assessment process to better understand emotional well-being and guide appropriate clinical care.
The PHQ-9 is trusted by mental health professionals, primary care providers, and healthcare organizations worldwide due to its reliability, simplicity, and clinical validity.
What Is the PHQ-9?
The PHQ-9 is a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 9 questions, each corresponding to one of the core symptoms of depression as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
The questionnaire asks individuals to reflect on how often they have experienced specific symptoms over the past two weeks, such as low mood, loss of interest, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in sleep or appetite.
What Does the PHQ-9 Measure?
The PHQ-9 assesses symptoms commonly associated with depression, including:
Persistent sadness or low mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities
Sleep disturbances
Low energy or fatigue
Appetite or weight changes
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Difficulty concentrating
Psychomotor agitation or slowing
Thoughts related to self-harm or death
In addition to symptom frequency, the PHQ-9 includes a question that evaluates how these symptoms impact daily functioning, such as work, relationships, and home life.
How the PHQ-9 Is Used in Counseling
At Ahava Shalom, the PHQ-9 is used to:
Screen for depressive symptoms
Assess symptom severity
Monitor changes over time
Support treatment planning and clinical decision-making
The PHQ-9 is often used alongside a comprehensive clinical evaluation and other assessment tools to provide a more complete understanding of an individual’s emotional health.