PHQ-9 Depression Score Calculator (for Cardiac Patients)

PHQ-9 Depression Score (for Cardiac Patients): Explanation and Clinical Context The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a widely used, validated tool to screen and measure the severity of depression, specifically useful in cardiac patients where depression is a known risk factor for worse cardiovascular outcomes. It includes 9 questions reflecting DSM-IV criteria for depression, scored from 0 (Not at all) to 3 (Nearly every day). The total score ranges from 0 to 27.

Score interpretation is as follows: 0–4 minimal or none, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, and 20–27 severe depression. Using PHQ-9 in cardiac patients helps clinicians identify those at risk, guide timely referral for mental health interventions, and integrate psychosocial care into cardiovascular management.