Question 1

When should clinicians use the PHQ-8 instead of the PHQ-9?

Accepted Answer

The PHQ-8 is recommended in settings where asking about suicidality may not be feasible, such as telephone surveys, epidemiological studies, workplace screening, or settings without trained mental health professionals to follow up on positive suicidality responses. The BRFSS and other large population studies commonly use the PHQ-8 for these reasons (Kroenke et al., 2009, J Affect Disord).

Question 2

Are the PHQ-8 and PHQ-9 diagnostically equivalent?

Accepted Answer

Yes, largely. A meta-analysis (Wu et al., 2020, Psychol Med) confirmed diagnostic equivalency. The PHQ-8 uses identical cutoff scores (5, 10, 15, 20 for mild, moderate, moderately severe, and severe). Depression prevalence was similar whether using the PHQ-8 diagnostic algorithm or a cutoff of 10 or greater.

Question 3

Does omitting the suicide item significantly affect severity measurement?

Accepted Answer

Minimally. PHQ-8 scores tend to be only 0-2 points lower than corresponding PHQ-9 scores, and the same severity cutoffs apply. However, clinicians should be aware that omitting item 9 means losing an important clinical safety signal. If the PHQ-8 is used in clinical care, a separate suicide risk screening question should still be administered.

Question 4

What is the PHQ-8 score range and how are results interpreted?

Accepted Answer

The PHQ-8 total score ranges from 0 to 24 (8 items scored 0-3 each). Severity cutoffs are identical to the PHQ-9: 0-4 (none), 5-9 (mild), 10-14 (moderate), 15-19 (moderately severe), 20-24 (severe). A score of 10 or greater is the standard threshold for clinically significant depression.

Question 5

What does my PHQ-8 score mean?

Accepted Answer

We have a detailed scoring guide that explains how to interpret your PHQ-8 results, including severity ranges and recommended clinical actions. Read our full scoring guide.

PHQ-8: Patient Health Questionnaire 8-item Depression Scale

Take the PHQ-8 assessment. 8-item depression screening excluding suicidality questions. Safe assessment for population studies and non-clinical settings.

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