Practice Test Geeks(CCP) Chronic Care Professional Certification Practice Test
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Depression Screening & PHQ-9 Flashcards

7 cards from real CCP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. In patients with chronic medical conditions, PHQ-9 somatic items (sleep, fatigue, appetite) may inflate scores due to the underlying disease. What is one recommended approach?

    Answer: Apply the standard scoring unchanged, using clinical judgment for interpretation

    Most experts recommend using standard PHQ-9 scoring in medically ill patients while applying clinical judgment, rather than excluding somatic items.

  2. What is the PHQ-2, and when is it typically used?

    Answer: A 2-question version used as an initial screening tool before administering the full PHQ-9

    The PHQ-2 consists of the first two PHQ-9 items and is used as a brief initial screen; a score of ≥3 triggers administration of the full PHQ-9.

  3. Which of the following populations was the PHQ-9 originally validated in?

    Answer: Primary care and obstetrics patients

    Kroenke, Spitzer, and Williams validated the PHQ-9 in primary care and obstetrics clinic patients in their landmark 2001 study.

  4. The PHQ-A is a version of the PHQ-9 adapted for which group?

    Answer: Adolescents aged 12–17

    The PHQ-A (Adolescent) modifies language for adolescents and has been validated for ages 12–17.

  5. A 72-year-old patient with heart failure scores 8 on the PHQ-9. What is the most appropriate next step?

    Answer: Reassess in 4–6 weeks and consider watchful waiting with supportive counseling

    A score of 5–9 (mild depression) warrants watchful waiting, patient education, and follow-up reassessment rather than immediate pharmacotherapy or emergency referral.

  6. Which chronic disease comorbidity is associated with the highest prevalence of comorbid depression, making PHQ-9 screening especially critical?

    Answer: Diabetes mellitus

    Depression affects approximately 15–25% of people with diabetes, nearly double the general population rate, creating bidirectional adverse effects on outcomes.

  7. For patients with limited English proficiency, which statement about PHQ-9 use is most accurate?

    Answer: Validated translations exist in over 30 languages and should be used when available

    The PHQ-9 has been translated and validated in more than 30 languages, and using the validated translated version is preferred over interpreter-mediated English administration.