The PHQ-9 is a screening tool for:

A Anxiety

B Depression — it assesses 9 DSM criteria for major depressive disorder over the past 2 weeks

C Schizophrenia

D Substance abuse

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

PHQ-9: 9-item self-report measuring depression severity. Scores: 0-4 minimal, 5-9 mild, 10-14 moderate, 15-19 moderately severe, 20-27 severe. Validated for primary care screening.

💡 Why is B) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "The PHQ-9 is a screening tool for:" is Option B: Depression — it assesses 9 DSM criteria for major depressive disorder over the past 2 weeks.

The other options — A) Anxiety, C) Schizophrenia, D) Substance abuse — are incorrect for this USMLE Exam Prep question. As explained above: PHQ-9: 9-item self-report measuring depression severity. Scores: 0-4 minimal, 5-9 mild, 10-14 moderate, 15-19 moderately severe, 20-27 severe. Validated for primary care screening.

📚 About This USMLE Exam Prep Practice Question

This 1-level USMLE Exam Prep question from the Step 2 CK - Clinical Knowledge topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free USMLE Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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The PHQ-9 is a screening tool for:

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

📚 About This USMLE Exam Prep Practice Question

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