Advanced Health Assessment Practice Exam

What is a key feature of the PHQ-9 regarding the first two questions?

1. They capture minor depressive symptoms only

2. They identify most patients with depression

3. They are unrelated to overall scoring

4. They provide insight on patient history

The correct answer is: They identify most patients with depression

The key feature of the PHQ-9, particularly regarding the first two questions, is that they are specifically designed to help identify most patients with depression. The first question addresses the patient's interest or pleasure in doing things, while the second evaluates their feelings of hopelessness. These initial questions focus on core symptoms of major depressive disorder, which are critical for diagnosing depression according to established criteria. By accurately capturing these pivotal symptoms, the first two questions enhance the sensitivity of the PHQ-9, making it an effective tool in primary care and mental health settings. Early identification of these symptoms allows for timely intervention and treatment planning. This is crucial because depression often goes unrecognized and untreated, leading to worse outcomes for the patient. Therefore, the design of these questions plays a significant role in the overall effectiveness of the PHQ-9 as a screening tool.