Which depression screening tool is commonly used for adolescents?

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is widely used for screening depression in adolescents due to its straightforward structure and effectiveness in identifying depressive symptoms. This tool consists of nine questions that help assess the severity of depressive symptoms experienced by the individual over the past two weeks.

PHQ-9 is particularly useful in clinical settings because it is easily understood by adolescents, making it accessible for both self-administration and direct interviews. Its validation in various age groups, including adolescents, and the strong correlation with the diagnosis of major depressive disorder enhance its utility in monitoring treatment progress and outcomes.

While other instruments like the Beck Depression Inventory and Children's Depression Inventory are also valuable in assessing depression, PHQ-9's direct focus on symptoms and ease of use contributes to its popularity among healthcare providers working with adolescent populations.