Should Google offer an online screening test for depression?

Yes— Ken Duckworth

Until recently, patients had to see a doctor to learn their blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Now, measurement tools are readily available at home, and raised public awareness of cardiac risk has contributed to a huge reduction in heart disease.

Contrast this with suicide, which, in America, is increasing in almost all population groups.1 In the UK, suicide rates among women are the highest in a decade.2 While many people know what 120/80 mm Hg means, few know their PHQ-9 (patient health questionnaire 9) score. A common language for measuring depression could advance conversations among the public and with professionals.

PHQ-9 is a test validated for use in primary care to monitor the severity of depression and response to treatment. It is designed for patients to read and answer on their own. The result is a total of scores for each of nine DSM-5 criteria, each rated from 0 to 3 in terms of frequency of occurrence.3 The test is quick to do and used in many clinical settings.