Using the 9-Item Patient Health Questionnaire to Screen for and Monitor Depression

Clinically significant depression is one of the most common disorders presenting in primary care. It is a frequent comorbid condition in patients who have a variety of medical illnesses. Depression is associated with impairments in major role function and premature mortality and is common, with a yearly prevalence of 8% and lifetime prevalence of 19%.¹ Because of its relatively high prevalence and associated psychosocial morbidity, depression is one of the most disabling of all medical illnesses.