Which screening tool is commonly used to assess for depression?

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is widely recognized as a screening tool specifically designed to assess the presence and severity of depression. This instrument consists of nine questions that relate directly to the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

The PHQ-9 is particularly effective because it provides both a quick screening method and a way to monitor changes in depressive symptoms over time. It is well-validated across different populations and settings, making it a preferred choice among healthcare professionals for evaluating depression.

While other options such as the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) also measure depression, the PHQ-9 is more commonly utilized in clinical practice due to its brevity and ease of use in primary care settings. The GAD-7 and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale focus on anxiety, thus not serving the purpose of specifically assessing for depression.