Patient Health Questionnaire (Phq-9) - Mission Hospital

The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) at Mission Hospital is a tool used for screening, diagnosing, monitoring, and measuring the severity of depression in patients. It consists of 9 questions, each scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day), making it an effective way for health professionals to quickly assess a patient's mental health status and provide appropriate treatment and resources if required. The use of such questionnaires is common in many healthcare facilities, including Mission Hospital, to help identify potential mental health issues that may need addressing. This enables comprehensive patient care that considers not only physical but also mental health.

The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) is typically filled out by patients themselves. This form is designed by medical professionals to measure the severity of depression symptoms. It is intended to aid clinicians at hospitals like Mission Hospital in diagnosing and managing depression. It is vital the patient accurately report their symptoms for appropriate treatment. However, the final interpretation and diagnosis are done by the healthcare providers based on the answers and other clinical assessments.

FAQ

Q: What is the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)?A: The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) is a self-administered survey used specifically to measure the severity of depression in psychiatric practice and research. It consists of nine questions related to symptoms of depression experienced over the last two weeks.

Q: How is the PHQ-9 scored?A: Each of the nine questions on the PHQ-9 is scored from 0 to 3, with 0 indicating not at all and 3 for nearly every day. The total score ranges from 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms.

Q: What is the purpose of the PHQ-9 at Mission Hospital?A: At Mission Hospital, the PHQ-9 is used to screen patients for symptoms of depression. It aims to identify potential depressive disorders, track the severity of depression over time, and monitor the effects of treatment.

Q: Who can interpret the PHQ-9 results?A: The results of the PHQ-9 should be interpreted by a trained healthcare professional. The score can aid the professional in diagnosing depression and recommending a proper course of treatment.

Q: What is considered a high score on the PHQ-9?A: A total score of 10 or greater on the PHQ-9 is considered to be an indicator of moderate to severe depression, and is a sign that the individual should seek further evaluation from a healthcare professional.

Q: Is the PHQ-9 reliable?A: Yes, the PHQ-9 is a reliable and validated measure of depression severity. However, it is a tool for screening and not a definitive diagnostic test. A formal psychiatric evaluation is required for an accurate diagnosis of depression.