Depression – PHQ9

The Depression (PHQ9) screening tool gives Dr Jerrie an indication of your perceived levels of depression.

During a depressive episode, the person experiences a depressed mood (feeling sad, irritable, empty) or a loss of pleasure or interest in activities. These symptoms can last for most of the day, nearly every day, or at least two weeks. Several other symptoms are also present, including poor concentration, feelings of excessive guilt or low self-worth, hopelessness about the future, thoughts about death or suicide, disrupted sleep, changes in appetite or weight, and feeling especially tired or having low energy.

In some cultural contexts, some people may express their mood changes more readily in bodily symptoms (e.g. pain, fatigue, weakness). Yet, these physical symptoms are not due to another medical condition. During a depressive episode, the person experiences significant difficulty in personal, family, social, educational, occupational, and or other important areas of functioning.

NB – This patient-based Depression (PHQ9) screening tool is not a diagnostic tool. Unless discussed with your clinician, these results are not conclusive. It is a screening tool and completely one-sided. A limited frame of reference, state of mind and intentions can skew the results. Complete the questions as honestly as possible in a place where you won’t be disturbed.

This questionnaire should take you about 8 minutes.