Understanding PHQ-9 in HealthConnect

CW: This article addresses suicide ideation and references a powerful tool that our network regularly uses to help clients struggling with thoughts of suicide.

In honor of Suicide Prevention Week, which runs from Sept. 4 - 10, SWACH examines the result of the PHQ-9 among HealthConnect clients as part of this month’s Bulletin. The PHQ-9 is a useful depression screening tool that Community-Based Workers can use to identify if a participant may be experiencing symptoms associated with depression and refer them to the appropriate level of care.

Question nine of the PHQ-9 directly addresses suicide ideation. It specifically asks individuals if they have had thoughts that they would be better off dead or causing harm to themselves, which is a way of measuring the severity of suicidal ideation.

Of the HealthConnect participants who completed a PHQ-9 within the last year, 32% indicated that they had some form of suicide ideation and 6% indicated that they thought that they would be better off dead or hurting themselves nearly every day.

In comparison, the CDC estimates that between 2015-2019, 5% of Washingtonians experienced suicide ideation. This illustrates the importance of CBWs in this work because HealthConnect participants experience suicide ideation rates higher than what the CDC estimates. By leveraging the HealthConnect Hub, CBWs are able to connect individuals experiencing suicide ideation with the care and support they need.

If your participant receives a high score (14 or higher) on the PHQ-9, or says that they experience suicide ideation, make sure you review the situation with your supervisor to make sure your participant is receiving the care and evaluation they need. Familiarize yourself with your agency’s policy for what to do when there is a mental health crisis. When in doubt, call the mental health crisis line and your supervisor.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by simply calling or texting 988. You can also learn more on their website.