Which scale measures depressive symptoms in general populations? a. HDRS Ob. PHQ-9 c. CES-D d. BDI

The correct answer is b. PHQ-9.<br /><br />The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a widely used screening tool for measuring the severity of depressive symptoms in the general population. It consists of nine items that cover the core symptoms of depression, such as depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, fatigue or lack of energy, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. Each item is scored on a scale from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms. The total score ranges from 0 to 27, with a score of 5 or higher indicating a positive screen for depression. The PHQ-9 is a brief and validated measure that can be administered in various settings, including primary care, mental health services, and research studies.