Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Exam

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Prepare for the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Exam with comprehensive questions and detailed hints to ensure success on your certification journey!

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What is the score range for moderate depression in the PHQ-9?

  1. 1-4

  2. 5-9

  3. 10-14

  4. 15-19

The correct answer is: 10-14

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a widely used tool for screening and measuring the severity of depression. The scoring system for the PHQ-9 ranges from 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms. In this system, a score of 10 to 14 is specifically indicative of moderate depression. This range is significant as it helps clinicians determine the level of intervention needed. A score of 5 to 9 reflects mild depression, while scores from 15 to 19 indicate moderately severe depression, and scores of 20 or higher suggest severe depression. Understanding these categories assists healthcare providers in formulating treatment plans and monitoring changes in a patient's condition over time.