Depression is a serious mental health disorder that can impact your life in a number of ways. It’s important to get help if you think you may be suffering from depression, and one way to do that is by taking the PHQ-9 depression screening test. This test can help you identify whether or not you have depression, and it can also help your doctor determine the best course of treatment for you. In this blog post, we will discuss what the PHQ-9 is, how it works, and who should take it.
Contents
Defining PHQ-9
The PHQ-9, or Patient Health Questionnaire-Nine, is a self-reported depression scale that’s used to screen patients for major depressive disorder. The test is made up of nine questions that ask about the frequency of symptoms over the past two weeks. Each question is rated on a scale from 0 to 27.
The PHQ-9 is a self-reported depression scale that’s used to screen patients for major depressive disorder. The test is made up of nine questions that ask about the frequency of symptoms over the past two weeks. Patients who answer “yes” to at least five of the questions are considered to have major depressive disorder.
How the PHQ-9Works
PHQ-9 works by asking patients about their symptoms and how often they’ve experienced them over the past two weeks. The questions are designed to elicit information about the frequency and severity of symptoms. The test is then scored based on the answers given. The test is quick and easy to administer, and it can be done in a doctor’s office, over the phone, or online.
PHQ-9 is a self-administered test that takes about a few minutes to complete. Patients can take the test in their doctor’s office, or they can print it out and take it at home. Once patients have completed the test, they will score themselves based on their answers to the questions. The test can be self-administered or completed with the help of a trained professional.
Questions
The questions on the PHQ-9 ask about the frequency of symptoms over the past two weeks. The questions are designed to elicit information about the frequency and severity of symptoms. Some of the questions on the test include:
- How often have you been bothered by feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?
- Do you have little interest or pleasure in doing things on a daily basis?
- Have you ever been irritated by tiredness or a lack of vitality?
- How frequently have you been plagued by an unsatisfying appetite or overindulgence?
- How often have you been troubled by insomnia or a lack of sleep?
- Have you ever been plagued by self-doubt, failure, or letting yourself or your family down?
- How often have you been bothered by trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television?
- Have you ever been irritated by the fact that other people might have noticed how frequently you move or talk slowly? Or, on the contrary, being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around more than usual?
- Have you ever been plagued by thoughts that you would be better off dead or of harming yourself in some manner?
Score Interpretation
The PHQ-9 can be used to screen for major depressive disorder and to assess the severity of symptoms. The test is scored on a scale from 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms. A score of
- 0-13: indicates mild depression
- 14-19: indicates moderate depression
- 20-27: indicates severe depression
Your respective psychologist will give you a formal diagnosis.
Who Should Take It?
The PHQ-9is a screening tool that can be used by anyone who thinks they may be suffering from depression. However, it’s important to note that the test is not diagnostic and should not be used to make a diagnosis of depression. The PHQ- 9 is recommended for anyone who is experiencing symptoms of depression or who suspects they may be suffering from depression. If you are feeling sad, anxious, or hopeless most of the time for two weeks or more, you should take the test. Some other tell-all signs of depression can also include:
- Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sleeping too much or not being able to sleep
- Fatigue or decreased energy levels
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek help from a medical professional. Depression is a serious mental illness that can have lasting effects on your health and wellbeing if left untreated. Taking the PHQ- 9can be an important first step in getting the help you need.
What Happens After Taking The Test?
After taking the PHQ-9, it’s important to discuss your results with a medical professional. If your score is five or higher on any one question, it indicates a possible case of depression and you should follow up with your doctor. They will formulate a suitable treatment plan for you on the basis of your condition’s severity.
Treatment Options
Depression can be treated with a combination of medication and therapy. Some common medications used to treat depression include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs are the most common type of antidepressant. They work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain.
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): SNRIs are another type of antidepressant that work by increasing levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs): TCAs are an older type of antidepressant that is not as commonly prescribed as SSRIS or SNRIS. They work by inhibiting the reabsorption of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
Therapy is also an effective treatment for depression. Some common types of therapy used to treat depression include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on changing negative thinking patterns and behaviors.
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT): IPT is a type of therapy that focuses on resolving interpersonal conflicts.
- Psychodynamic therapy: Psychodynamic therapy focuses on understanding the unconscious thoughts and motivations that influence our behavior.
If you think you may be suffering from depression, it’s important to seek help from a medical professional. Depression is a serious mental illness that can have lasting effects on your health and well being if left untreated.
Some Other Diagnostic Tools For Depression
In addition to the PHQ- 9, there are other diagnostic tools that can assess for depression. These include:
- The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI): The BDI is a 21-question self-report depression scale that assesses the severity of symptoms over the past week.
- The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS): The HDRS is a 17-item assessment that is completed by a trained professional. It takes into account both the severity of symptoms and how they impact daily functioning.
- The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale: The Zung Scale is a 20-item self-report depression scale that assesses the severity of symptoms over the past four weeks.
These are all well-validated scales that can be used to screen for depression. If you think you may be suffering from depression, it’s important to talk to your doctor about which assessment tool is right for you.
Conclusion
If you think you may be suffering from depression, don’t hesitate to take the PHQ-Nine. It could be the first step in getting the help you need. And remember, you are not alone—millions of people suffer from depression each year, and there is help available. You just have to reach out and ask for it.
For more information, please contact MantraCare. Depression is a mental illness characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in daily activities. If you have any queries regarding Online Depression Counseling experienced therapists at MantraCare can help: Book a trial Depression Therapy session
