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Making sense of your PHQ score
The advice below applies to people
who've not been depressed before, or who are not already taking
antidepressants or seeing a specialist. If you know that you are
prone to depression, or are experiencing suicidal thoughts, you
should consult your GP for advice- the comments below may not apply
to you.
Remember that the PHQ is only a
general guide to depression. If your score doesn't make sense or
seem right, discuss it with your GP or someone you trust.
PHQ less than 15
This means you have “mild” depression: taking
antidepressants is not usually helpful
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If you scored between 0 and 5: |
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Your score
suggests that you’re not depressed.
Scores of
up to 5 are quite common, and generally considered part of
everyday life.
If you are struggling to cope
right now,
click here to get help straight away.
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If you scored between 6 and 9: |
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Scores
between 6 and 9 suggest significant low mood, but not so severe as
to count as
"clinical depression". 80% of people with this kind of low
mood will find they feel better within 6-8 weeks without
any treatment at all.
Antidepressant medicines,
therapy or counselling don't usually work for people with
scores less than 10. If you come into this category you
might find "self help" useful -
click here for more
information.
But it is important to make sure
your mood does get better over the next month or two. Keep a
note of your PHQ score and check it again in 6-8 weeks. If
it hasn't improved over that time it might be worth
discussing with your GP.
If you are struggling to cope
right now,
click here to get help straight away.
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If you scored between 10 and 14: |
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Scores at
this level don't technically count as "clinical" depression
but you will be feeling very low at times. Most people
recover without any difficulty or further help, but we'd
recommend you keep an eye on it. Check your PHQ within
a month and if it's not improved consult your GP.
You might find "self help"
useful - click here for more
information.
If you are struggling to cope
right now,
click here to get help straight away.
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PHQ 15 or more
This indicates “clinical” depression
and taking an antidepressant usually helps people to recover.
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If you scored 15 to 19: |
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Many people
with this level of depression need
professional help to help them recover. This might involve counselling or
psychotherapy of some kind, drug treatment with an antidepressant, or
a combination of both.
We recommend you contact your GP to
discuss your mood and take a copy of the PHQ with you.
If you are struggling to cope
right now,
click here to get help straight away.
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If you scored 20 or more: |
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This
suggests you may be significantly depressed and that you should consult
your GP.
If you can,
let someone you trust know how you feel.
Treatment
with an antidepressant is likely to be helpful. Your GP
might also refer you to a mental health specialist.
If you are struggling to cope
right now,
click here to get help straight away.
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What does depression feel like?
