Care References
Safety prompts, auto-linked outcomes, and the guidance behind them for each integrative modality. Reference only — defer to local policy and clinical judgment.
PHQ-9 — Patient Health Questionnaire-9
Lower scores indicate less depression severity — improvement trends down. Scale 0–27.
Clinically significant change (MCID)
5 points
5-point change = clinically significant (Kroenke 2001; Löwe 2004)
Clinical cutoff
Moderate depression (≥ 10)
Score interpretation
- 0–4Minimal
- 5–9MildWatchful waiting; repeat at follow-up
- 10–14ModerateTreatment plan, counseling, follow-up
- 15–19Moderately severeActive treatment
- 20–27SevereImmediate initiation of treatment
Publications & guidelines
- Kroenke, Spitzer & Williams 2001 — The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure (JGIM)
- Löwe et al. 2004 — Monitoring depression treatment outcomes with the PHQ-9 (Med Care)
- USPSTF — Depression screening in adults (2023)
Thresholds are commonly cited values — confirm against current literature and your protocol.