Question 1

What do the PHQ-15 severity cutoff scores indicate?

Accepted Answer

Scores of 5, 10, and 15 represent cutoffs for low (mild), medium (moderate), and high (severe) somatic symptom severity, with 0-4 indicating minimal severity. Increasing scores are associated with greater functional impairment, disability days, and healthcare utilization (Kroenke et al., 2002).

Question 2

How does somatic symptom burden relate to depression and anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Somatic symptoms, depression, and anxiety frequently co-occur in the 'SAD triad.' Higher PHQ-15 scores are strongly correlated with elevated PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores. Up to 43% of patients with significant somatic symptoms have comorbid depression or anxiety. Clinicians should screen for all three when any one is elevated.

Question 3

How is the gender-specific menstrual item handled?

Accepted Answer

Item 4 ('Menstrual cramps or other problems with your periods') is for female respondents only. For males, this item is omitted, making it a 14-item instrument with a maximum score of 28. Some protocols assign 0 for males and use standard cutoffs.

Question 4

What is the recall period for the PHQ-15?

Accepted Answer

The PHQ-15 uses a 4-week recall period ('During the past 4 weeks'), notably longer than the 2-week period of the PHQ-9 and GAD-7. This longer timeframe is appropriate for somatic symptoms, which tend to be more chronic and variable than mood symptoms.

Question 5

What does my PHQ-15 score mean?

Accepted Answer

We have a detailed scoring guide that explains how to interpret your PHQ-15 results, including severity ranges and recommended clinical actions. Read our full scoring guide.

PHQ-15: Patient Health Questionnaire Somatic Symptom Scale

Take the PHQ-15 assessment. Brief 15-item tool for assessing physical symptom severity and screening for somatoform disorders. Evidence-based primary care instrument.

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