Ultra-Brief Screening
Description
This skill provides the PHQ-4, a rapid combined depression and anxiety screener ideal for high-volume or time-limited settings.
Quick Reference
| Assessment | Items | Time | Purpose | Cutoff | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHQ-4 | 4 | <1 min | Ultra-brief depression + anxiety screen | Total ≥6 suggests high likelihood | Primary care, universal screening, triage |
Assessment Tool
PHQ-4
Complete assessment with items, scoring, and documentation: → assets/phq-4.md
Interactive Administration (Optional)
Use this mode when the clinician says "start" or "administer" the PHQ-4.
- •Confirm readiness and explain the past 2 weeks time frame plus the 0-3 response scale.
- •Ask one item at a time (verbatim from the asset file) and wait for a response before continuing.
- •Accept numeric or verbal responses; if unclear or out of range, ask for clarification.
- •Record each response, compute the total score (0-12), and track depression/anxiety sub-scores.
- •If the screen is positive, recommend PHQ-9 and/or GAD-7 for severity assessment.
- •Offer a brief documentation summary if requested.
Clinical Workflow
- •Administer PHQ-4
- •Score and interpret
- •If positive, proceed to PHQ-9 and/or GAD-7 for severity
- •Document results and next steps
Documentation
Use the documentation template in the PHQ-4 asset file.
References
- •See references files in this skill and shared clinical references.