Depression Assessment (PHQ-9) in Lahore
A structured, evidence-based assessment for depression using clinical interview and the PHQ-9 screening tool, with risk assessment and treatment planning.
Assessing depression accurately requires more than a brief conversation — it involves a structured clinical interview alongside validated screening tools to determine severity and guide treatment decisions.
Dr. Muhammad Shoaib Zafar uses a thorough, evidence-based approach to depression assessment, combining clinical judgement with standardised tools such as the PHQ-9.
The PHQ-9 Questionnaire
The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a validated, widely used nine-item tool that screens for the core symptoms of depression and quantifies severity, providing a useful baseline that can be repeated over time to monitor treatment response.
Clinical Interview
Beyond the questionnaire, a detailed clinical interview explores the duration, pattern, and context of symptoms, past episodes, family history, and any specific triggers, which the PHQ-9 alone cannot capture.
Risk Assessment
Every depression assessment includes careful, sensitive screening for thoughts of self-harm or suicide, ensuring safety is addressed alongside diagnosis and treatment planning.
Excluding Other Causes
Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid dysfunction, and some medications can produce symptoms resembling depression, so assessment considers whether further medical evaluation is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PHQ-9 enough on its own to diagnose depression?
No, it is a valuable screening and monitoring tool but is always interpreted alongside a full clinical interview for accurate diagnosis.
How often should the PHQ-9 be repeated?
It is often repeated periodically during treatment to objectively track symptom improvement over time.
Expert Care
Dr. Muhammad Shoaib Zafar provides thorough, evidence-based depression assessment to ensure an accurate diagnosis and effective, individualised treatment plan.
This page is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace an individual psychiatric assessment.
Treatment approach
- → Clinical interview
- → PHQ-9 screening questionnaire
- → Risk assessment for self-harm
- → Exclusion of medical causes of low mood
- → Individualised treatment recommendation
Frequently asked questions
Is the PHQ-9 enough on its own to diagnose depression?
No, it is a valuable screening and monitoring tool but is always interpreted alongside a full clinical interview for accurate diagnosis.
How often should the PHQ-9 be repeated?
It is often repeated periodically during treatment to objectively track symptom improvement over time.