Screening for Depression in Physical Therapy: Using the PHQ-9 (ptinquest.libsyn.com)

• Depression is a key driver of symptoms in physiotherapy patients.
• PHQ-9 is recommended for screening and monitoring depression.
• Evidence from Zimmerman (2019) and Haggman et al. (2004) supports use in back pain.

"A physiotherapy digest article highlights the importance of screening for clinical depression, which often drives symptoms in patients with musculoskeletal conditions. The 9-Item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) is recommended for screening and monitoring, supported by Zimmerman (2019) in JAMA and Haggman et al. (2004) in Physical Therapy. Clinicians are encouraged to integrate depression screening into routine practice."