What screening tool is commonly used for depression in adults?

The PHQ-9, or Patient Health Questionnaire-9, is widely recognized as a key screening tool for depression in adults. It is a concise, self-administered questionnaire consisting of nine questions that help assess the severity of depressive symptoms based on the criteria set forth in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The PHQ-9 is valued for its ease of use, allowing patients to complete it quickly, which facilitates screening in various clinical settings, including primary care.

This tool not only helps in identifying individuals who may have depression but also aids healthcare providers in tracking the severity of symptoms over time and assessing treatment response. Its widespread acceptance and use in both research and clinical practice further solidify its role as a preferred choice for depression screening among adults.

Other tools mentioned, like the Beck Depression Inventory and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, are also effective but serve slightly different purposes; for instance, the former is more commonly used for assessing the severity of depression rather than for screening. The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale offers a self-report measure but lacks the widespread clinical adoption that the PHQ-9 has achieved. Thus, the PHQ-9 stands out as the go-to screening tool for quick, effective assessment of depression