Understanding PHQ-9: What the Depression Screening Score Really Means
The PHQ-9 is one of the most widely used depression screening tools in clinical practice. Here is what the score measures, what it does not measure, and how to use it well.
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What the PHQ-9 actually measures
The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 is a nine-item self-report screening tool assessing depressive symptoms over the past two weeks. Each item maps to one of the nine DSM criteria for major depressive disorder.
Score ranges translate roughly to: 0-4 (minimal), 5-9 (mild), 10-14 (moderate), 15-19 (moderately severe), 20-27 (severe). These are population-derived thresholds — not diagnostic criteria.
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The PHQ-9 screens for symptom presence and frequency. It does not diagnose depression. Clinical diagnosis requires professional evaluation that considers duration, context, medical causes, and functional impairment.
Scores can also be affected by physical illness, medication side effects, or grief. A good clinician always contextualizes the score rather than treating it as a standalone verdict.
How to use PHQ-9 data well over time
The PHQ-9 is most valuable as a longitudinal trend tool, not a snapshot. A score that has climbed from 4 to 12 over six weeks tells you something important about trajectory that a single reading cannot.
Rohy AI includes PHQ-9 tracking as part of its longitudinal mental health dashboard, making trends visible over time. If you notice a sustained increase, bring that trend to your provider as part of a real conversation.
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