Comparison of the Patient Health Questionnaire and the Older Adult Health and Mood Questionnaire for self-reported depressive symptoms after spinal cord injury

Rehabil Psychol, 2009 · DOI: 10.1037/a0017402 · Published: November 1, 2009

Simple Explanation

This study compares two questionnaires, the PHQ-9 and OAHMQ, in measuring depression among people with spinal cord injury (SCI). The goal was to understand why studies report different rates of depression after SCI. The study found that while the two questionnaires generally agreed, they gave different estimates of how common depression is after SCI. These differences seem to be due to the questionnaires themselves. The findings suggest that when researchers or clinicians use these questionnaires, they should be aware of their limitations and choose the questionnaire that best fits their specific purpose.

Study Duration

10 years (1997-98 to 2007-08)

Participants

727 participants with traumatic SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The PHQ-9 and OAHMQ were significantly correlated (r=.78).
2
Using recommended diagnostic scoring procedures, 10.7% of participants met the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder with the PHQ-9.
3
Using the OAHMQ, 19.7% reported probable major depression and 44.5% clinically significant symptomatology.

Research Summary

This study compared the PHQ-9 and OAHMQ for assessing depressive symptoms in individuals with SCI. The measures were highly correlated overall, but estimated prevalence of depressive disorders varied substantially. Differing estimates of depressive disorders in the literature are largely attributable to the instruments themselves.

Practical Implications

Clinical Guidance

Clinicians should recognize the limitations of each self-report measure when screening for depression in SCI patients.

Instrument Selection

The PHQ-9 may be preferred for DSM-IV-related diagnoses, while the OAHMQ might be better suited when somatic content is a concern.

Goal-Oriented Assessment

Cutoff scores should be chosen based on the assessment's goal, whether identifying depressive disorders or individuals at risk for adverse outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
No independent measures of depressive disorders, such as diagnostic interviews.
2
Lack of data regarding types of treatments individuals may have received.
3
The study used only two of a large number of possible measures.

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