There are a number of valid and reliable screening tools to help Head Start programs identify families who may be experiencing depressive symptoms. Below we have listed some of the most commonly used tools. Many of these tools are available for free. There is also a PDF version of this list that can be downloaded to share with others. Remember to review the screenings completed for children of parents experiencing, since depression can affect their social and emotional development too!
Resources
Screening Tool | Completed or Administered by | Primary Audience | No of Items/ Completion Time | |
Tools available at no cost | ||||
Patient Health Questionnaire- 2 (PHQ-2) |
Completed by patient or administered by a clinician | Screens for depressive symptomatology in the general population | 2 items, Less than 1 minute | |
Patient Health Questionnaire- 9 (PHQ-9) |
Completed by patient | Measures depressive symptomatology in the general population | 9 items, 5-10 minutes | |
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale | Completed bypatient | Measures depressive symptomatology in postnatal women | 10 items, 5-10 minutes | |
Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) |
Completed by patient | Measures depressive symptomatology in the general population | 20 items, 5-10 minutes | |
Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) | Administered by clinician | Measures depressive symptomatology in the general population | 21 items, 15-20 minutes | |
Tools available through purchase from the publisher | ||||
Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) Fast Screen for Medical Patients | Completed by patient | Measures depressive symptomatology in the general population, designed for medical patients | 7 items, less than five minutes | |
Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS) |
Completed by patient | Measures depressive symptomatology in postnatal women | 35 items, 5-10 minutes |