The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) - Blue variant is a clinical assessment tool used by healthcare providers to identify, diagnose, and monitor the severity of depression. This questionnaire is designed with nine criteria that align with the common signs and symptoms of major depressive disorder as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, making it an efficient tool in mental health assessments. The 'Blue' may refer to the color of the form in certain print versions, but it does not affect the nature or functionality of the PHQ-9. Completion time is generally short, making it easy to use in diverse medical settings.
The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) - Blue is usually filled out by the individual who is undergoing the mental health screening. This person could be a patient in a healthcare setting, such as a clinic or hospital. This questionnaire may also be completed in the context of a research study or by a person undertaking a personal health assessment. The individual's healthcare provider will typically review the responses to assess the person's mental health, specifically looking for signs of depression.
Q: What is the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)?
A: The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) is a self-administered version of the PRIME-MD diagnostic instrument for the common mental disorders. It is a tool used by healthcare providers to screen, diagnose, monitor and measure the severity of depression.
Q: Who developed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)?
A: The PHQ-9 was developed by Drs. Robert L Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke and colleagues. It is copyrighted by Pfizer Inc.
Q: How does the PHQ-9 screen for depression?
A: The PHQ-9 screens for depression by asking 9 questions that aim to identify the level of depression related symptoms a patient has been experiencing in the last two weeks. The responses to these questions are then scored to provide a depression severity measure.
Q: Is the PHQ-9 a reliable tool for diagnosing depression?
A: Yes, the PHQ-9 is a reliable tool for the diagnosis and management of depression and is widely used in clinical practice and research. However, it is important to note that only a qualified healthcare provider can make a definitive diagnosis of depression.
Q: Can the PHQ-9 be used to monitor depression over time?
A: Yes, the PHQ-9 is not only effective in diagnosing depression but also in monitoring ongoing symptoms and treatment responses over time.
Q: What does the 'Blue' refer to in the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) - Blue?
A: The term 'Blue' may be referring to the color or style of the form of the questionnaire or it could simply be a specific version of the PHQ-9. The actual content and purpose of the questionnaire remain the same irrespective of color or version.
Q: How is the PHQ-9 administered?
A: The PHQ-9 can be self-administered or facilitated by a clinician. It includes a series of 9 questions that the patient is asked to respond to based on their feelings over the past two weeks. It takes just a few minutes to complete.
Q: Who can use the PHQ-9?
A: The PHQ-9 is commonly used by clinicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other healthcare providers. It can also be used in research settings, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.