Which screening tool is commonly used to assess for depression?

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is widely recognized and commonly used to assess for depression in various clinical settings. It consists of nine questions, which correspond to the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder as outlined in the DSM-5. Each question focuses on symptoms experienced over the past two weeks, allowing for a standardized measure of the severity of depressive symptoms.

The PHQ-9 is favored for its simplicity, ease of use, and effectiveness in both clinical practice and research settings. It can be self-administered, making it practical for diverse patient populations and settings, including primary care and mental health environments. Additionally, its scoring system provides clear cut-off points to categorize the severity of depression, aiding clinicians in decision-making and treatment planning.

Other instruments, while also useful, serve different purposes or populations. The Beck Depression Inventory is another valid option for assessing depression but may not be as widely utilized in all settings compared to the PHQ-9. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale is primarily used for assessing the severity of depression in patients already diagnosed and often requires clinician administration. The Young Mania Rating Scale is specifically designed to assess manic symptoms, thus not applicable in a straightforward depression screening context.