What does the PHQ-9 measure?

• A. A 9-item self-report instrument assessing depressive symptoms over the past two weeks.
• B. A 9-item test measuring general intelligence.
• C. A scale for sleep quality.
• D. A tool for measuring anxiety.

Answer: (A)

The main idea tested is what the PHQ-9 actually measures. It’s a brief self-report tool with nine items that asks about depressive symptoms experienced over the past two weeks, with responses ranging from not at all to nearly every day. Summing the items gives a score that reflects the presence and severity of depressive symptoms and helps with screening, indicating possible depression, and monitoring changes over time. This is why it’s the best choice: it is specifically designed to assess depressive symptoms and their frequency within a defined recent period, rather than measuring intelligence, sleep quality, or anxiety.