PHQ-9 Depression Screening Tool

Score PHQ-9 responses and flag suicide risk with DSM-5 criteria.

9|2|Updated Mar 3, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/gitjfmd/open-medical-skills --skill phq-9-depression-screening-tool
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: PHQ-9 Depression Screening Tool
Source: https://github.com/gitjfmd/open-medical-skills/tree/main/skills/phq9-depression-screening
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/gitjfmd/open-medical-skills --skill phq-9-depression-screening-tool

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill streamlines depression screening by delivering complete PHQ-9 scoring, DSM-5 criteria mapping, suicide risk flagging on Item 9, and evidence-based treatment recommendations calibrated to severity.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Full PHQ-9 scoring (0-27) with severity tiers and DSM-5 cross-referencing.
  • PHQ-2 ultra-brief initial screen; triggers full PHQ-9 when positive.
  • Suicide risk flagging on Item 9 with immediate safety guidance and documentation support.
  • Longitudinal monitoring to track response and remission over multiple assessments.

Quick Start

Use the skill to administer the PHQ-9 and return the total score, risk flag, DSM criteria mapping, and treatment recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions about PHQ-9 Depression Screening Tool

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I administer a PHQ-9 depression screening and map scores to DSM-5 criteria?▼

Administering a PHQ-9 depression screening involves scoring 9 items from 0-27, mapping results to DSM-5 criteria, and generating severity tiers with treatment recommendations. The tool automates this entire process including safety triage.

Can I use the PHQ-2 ultra-brief screen before triggering a full PHQ-9 assessment?▼

Yes, you can use the PHQ-2 ultra-brief screen as an initial step. It automatically triggers the full PHQ-9 assessment when positive, streamlining the depression screening workflow in primary care settings.

What is the best way to track depression treatment response and remission over time?▼

Tracking depression treatment response requires longitudinal monitoring across multiple PHQ-9 assessments. The tool compares sequential scores over time to evaluate patient response, remission, and severity changes for treatment planning.

Does this depression screening tool provide guideline-based treatment recommendations?▼

Yes, the depression screening tool provides guideline-based treatment recommendations calibrated to severity tiers. It maps total PHQ-9 scores to evidence-based treatment actions suitable for primary care and mental health settings.

How does PHQ-9 Item 9 flagging work for suicide risk assessment?▼

PHQ-9 suicide risk flagging evaluates Item 9 responses to identify active risk and provides immediate safety guidance. It flags Item 9 responses to trigger urgent safety actions and documentation support for clinical follow-up.