Depression Screening Tools
Evidence-based assessments for identifying and monitoring depressive disorders
Depression affects over 280 million people worldwide. Early identification through validated screening tools enables timely intervention and better outcomes.
Why Depression Screening Matters
Recommended Depression Screening Tools
Patient Health Questionnaire-9
The gold standard depression screening tool. Assesses all 9 DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder with Item 9 specifically screening for suicidal ideation.
Patient Health Questionnaire-2
Ultra-brief 2-item screener covering core depression symptoms. Ideal for initial screening with positive results warranting full PHQ-9.
Hamilton Depression Rating Scale
Clinician-administered gold standard for depression severity. Widely used in clinical trials and research settings.
Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale
Clinician-rated scale particularly sensitive to antidepressant treatment effects. Preferred in many clinical trials.
WHO-5 Well-Being Index
Positively-worded 5-item well-being measure that can screen for depression. Less stigmatizing for patients resistant to mental health screening.
Benefits of Routine Depression Screening
- Early detection enables earlier intervention and better prognosis
- Objective scoring helps track treatment response over time
- Standardized measures support clinical decision-making
- Regular monitoring can identify relapse before crisis
- Documentation supports value-based care quality metrics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best screening tool for depression?
The PHQ-9 is the most widely used and recommended depression screening tool for primary care and mental health settings. It's brief, free, validated, and includes a critical suicidal ideation screening item.
How often should depression screening be done?
USPSTF recommends depression screening for all adults. For patients in treatment, reassessment every 2-4 weeks during acute phase and monthly during maintenance is common practice.
What PHQ-9 score indicates clinical depression?
A PHQ-9 score of 10 or higher suggests moderate depression and typically warrants treatment consideration. Scores of 15+ indicate moderately severe depression, and 20+ indicates severe depression.
Are these depression screening tools free to use?
Yes, the PHQ-9, PHQ-2, and WHO-5 are in the public domain and completely free. The HAM-D and MADRS are also freely available for clinical use.
If someone is in crisis
If a patient indicates suicidal thoughts, ensure immediate safety assessment. For emergencies, call 911. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. Call or text 988.
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