Screening tools · Adolescent depression
A depression questionnaire for young people ages 11–17. It asks about the past two weeks, includes four additional context and safety questions, and cannot diagnose depression or classify suicide risk.
Only Items 1–9 are added for a symptom score from 0 to 27. Published interpretation ranges are minimal (0–4), mild (5–9), moderate (10–14), moderately severe (15–19) and severe (20–27). The four additional questions provide context and safety information but do not change the symptom score.
Any response above “Not at all” to Item 9, a “Yes” response to serious thoughts about ending your life in the past month, or a “Yes” response to a lifetime suicide attempt immediately displays crisis and youth-support information. The page does not classify suicide risk, send a notification or create a record. A negative response does not establish that someone is safe.
Questionnaire
Intended for: Young people ages 11–17
Timeframe: During the past two weeks.
How often have you been bothered by each of the following symptoms during the past two weeks? For each symptom put an “X” in the box beneath the answer that best describes how you have been feeling. Then answer the four additional questions; only Items 1–9 are included in the 0–27 symptom score.
These four questions provide context and are not included in the 0–27 symptom score. A healthcare professional should review any safety-related response.
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Screening vs assessment
Screening can support reflection, but it does not diagnose, produce a psychological assessment report or replace professional evaluation. You do not need to complete a screener before requesting an assessment.
A healthcare professional can consider the score, individual responses, additional questions, history and current circumstances together. Young people may also consider telling a trusted adult or healthcare professional where it is safe to do so.
This implementation uses PHQ-9: Modified for Teens, version 3, for young people ages 11–17.
No. Only Items 1–9 are included in the 0–27 symptom score.
No. Responses, scores and safety answers stay in browser memory and are not transmitted, stored or monitored.
Call or text 9-8-8, or contact Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or by texting CONNECT to 686868. Use 9-1-1 or the nearest emergency department for immediate danger.
PHQ-9: Modified for Teens (version 3) (opens in a new tab)
Modified with permission by the GLAD-PC team.
© 2018 The REACH Institute.
Next step
Therapy and psychodiagnostic assessment are available as separate professional services.
