The National Clearing House Institute for Clinical Improvement provides evidence to suggest the Patient Health Questionnaire 2, a shortened version of the PHQ 9, is an effective tool for screening for depression in adults in primary care. Either the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) or the PHQ-9 can be used to screen for depression. There is stronger evidence supporting the use of the PHQ-9 in patients with chronic disease. The PHQ two question tool (PHQ-2) should be used in routine screening settings. If the patient answers ‘yes’ to either of the two questions, the full PHQ-9 depression instrument should be administered. Further information can be found at: www.qualitymeasures.ahrq.gov/content.aspx?id=47457
