September 2001 PMID 11556941

The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure.

K Kroenke, R L Spitzer, J B Williams

Mentions

16
Peak: 3 in Aug 2025
across 5 sources since May 2017

Extended reach

47,244
potential audience

Total likes

52

Video views

365

Mentions per month

May 2017 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter8 posts
  • News3 articles
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Facebook2 posts
  • Blogs1 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions highlight the validity and widespread use of the PHQ-9, referencing studies by Kroenke et al. and debating issues like potential biases and ethics, with wording reflecting both support and skepticism. This variety in tone shows a mix of appreciation and critical analysis, indicating moderate overall interest and perceived impact.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the validity and usefulness of the PHQ-9, with some skepticism about potential conflicts of interest.

InterestModerate interest

Posts show moderate interest, focusing on validation studies, references, and practical applications.

EngagementNeutral engagement

The level of engagement is moderate, with some posts questioning methodological concerns and ethics, but few deep dives.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions suggest the publication influences clinical and research practices, especially regarding depression screening.

Abstract in brief

  • The PHQ-9 is a brief, self-administered tool based on the DSM-IV criteria that effectively measures depression severity and helps guide treatment decisions, showing good validity through comparisons with health surveys and clinical interviews.
  • As depression severity measured by PHQ-9 correlates with lower functional status and higher healthcare utilization, with specific score ranges indicating mild to severe depression, confirming its ability to assess symptom impact accurately.
  • Due to its strong validity, reliability, and brevity, the PHQ-9 is a useful instrument in both clinical settings and research for diagnosing and assessing the severity of depression.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Aidan
@HelloAidanScott · X

@MichaelFulwiler The ethics behind why something was created and it's validity in practice are two equally valid discussions. PHQ and GAD are some of the most widely studied measures for gauging severity. 6000+ subjects https://t.co/KW0emisxwg

Feb 22, 2023 · 24 likes · 1,070 followers View post →
Nicolas Badre
@BadreNicolas · X

References and Data Sources: PHQ-9 •Kroenke et al. (2001) – Validation study of the PHQ-9. •DOI: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.2001.016009606.x •Confirmation: SCID by mental health providers •Numbers: True positive: (8+14+14) = 36; False positive: (17+14+3+23+8+2) = 67 •Positives

Aug 11, 2025 · 12 likes · 2 shares · 2,653 followers View post →
Hopkins ICU Rehab
@icurehab · X

Screening for depression in ICU Follow-Up Clinic https://t.co/tvk9sEp3Mt Via Cynthia Reynolds LCSW, LCAC #ICURehab https://t.co/W49d0UBTaO

Nov 5, 2020 · 2 likes · 11,986 followers View post →
د. حسين ال عماد
@Drhussainalemad · X

مرجع الاستبيان الاصلي Kroenke K, Spitzer R L, Williams J B (2001). The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(9): 606-613 الترجمة بناءا على مركز اللاجئين العرب بكندا

Jan 27, 2021 · 1 like · 24,874 followers View post →
@peterdkramer
@PeterDKramer · X

@msimonson19 @MichaelFulwiler Looks like a baloney article based on self-aggrandizement by a PR man. Bob Spitzer seems to have validated the PHQ-9, as a simple way to apply the new DSM criteria for depression. It’s true that the grant $ came from Pfizer & that the scale has problems. https://t.co/088uYFWjk2

Feb 23, 2023 · 1 like · 2,789 followers View post →
Melissa Raven
@psychepi · X

RT @BadreNicolas: References and Data Sources: PHQ-9 •Kroenke et al. (2001) – Validation study of the PHQ-9. •DOI: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.200…

Aug 13, 2025 · 2 shares · 2,457 followers View post →

All mentions

Rob Purssey
@RPurssey · X

RT @BadreNicolas: References and Data Sources: PHQ-9 •Kroenke et al. (2001) – Validation study of the PHQ-9. •DOI: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.200…

Aug 13, 2025 · 2 shares · 816 followers View post →
Melissa Raven
@psychepi · X

RT @BadreNicolas: References and Data Sources: PHQ-9 •Kroenke et al. (2001) – Validation study of the PHQ-9. •DOI: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.200…

Aug 13, 2025 · 2 shares · 2,457 followers View post →
Nicolas Badre
@BadreNicolas · X

References and Data Sources: PHQ-9 •Kroenke et al. (2001) – Validation study of the PHQ-9. •DOI: 10.1046/j.1525-1497.2001.016009606.x •Confirmation: SCID by mental health providers •Numbers: True positive: (8+14+14) = 36; False positive: (17+14+3+23+8+2) = 67 •Positives

Aug 11, 2025 · 12 likes · 2 shares · 2,653 followers View post →
─ 0xfefcd7
@lamuriam · X

Di awal pengembangan PHQ-9, cut-off yang dipakai untuk mendeteksi depresi adalah >4. Skor >4 itu bisa mendeteksi 97.5% kasus depresi, sementara skor <=4 itu bisa mengenali 73.4% kondisi normal. Sumber: https://t.co/P47iHsFWqB

Apr 18, 2024 · 163 followers View post →
@peterdkramer
@PeterDKramer · X

@msimonson19 @MichaelFulwiler Looks like a baloney article based on self-aggrandizement by a PR man. Bob Spitzer seems to have validated the PHQ-9, as a simple way to apply the new DSM criteria for depression. It’s true that the grant $ came from Pfizer & that the scale has problems. https://t.co/088uYFWjk2

Feb 23, 2023 · 1 like · 2,789 followers View post →
Aidan
@HelloAidanScott · X

@MichaelFulwiler The ethics behind why something was created and it's validity in practice are two equally valid discussions. PHQ and GAD are some of the most widely studied measures for gauging severity. 6000+ subjects https://t.co/KW0emisxwg

Feb 22, 2023 · 24 likes · 1,070 followers View post →
د. حسين ال عماد
@Drhussainalemad · X

مرجع الاستبيان الاصلي Kroenke K, Spitzer R L, Williams J B (2001). The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(9): 606-613 الترجمة بناءا على مركز اللاجئين العرب بكندا

Jan 27, 2021 · 1 like · 24,874 followers View post →
Hopkins ICU Rehab
@icurehab · X

Screening for depression in ICU Follow-Up Clinic https://t.co/tvk9sEp3Mt Via Cynthia Reynolds LCSW, LCAC #ICURehab https://t.co/W49d0UBTaO

Nov 5, 2020 · 2 likes · 11,986 followers View post →
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