PHQ-9 Depression Score Calculator (for Cardiac Patients)
- PHQ-9 Depression Score (for Cardiac Patients): Explanation and Clinical Context
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a widely used, validated tool to screen and measure the severity of depression, specifically useful in cardiac patients where depression is a known risk factor for worse cardiovascular outcomes.
It includes 9 questions reflecting DSM-IV criteria for depression, scored from 0 (Not at all) to 3 (Nearly every day). The total score ranges from 0 to 27.
Score interpretation is as follows: 0–4 minimal or none, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, and 20–27 severe depression.
Using PHQ-9 in cardiac patients helps clinicians identify those at risk, guide timely referral for mental health interventions, and integrate psychosocial care into cardiovascular management.
Reference:
Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB. The PHQ-9: Validity of a Brief Depression Severity Measure. J Gen Intern Med. 2001;16(9):606–613. doi:10.1046/j.1525-1497.2001.016009606.x
Lichtman JH, et al. Depression and Coronary Heart Disease: Recommendations for Screening, Referral, and Treatment. Circulation. 2008;118:1768–1775. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.108.190769
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