These screening tools may be used by healthcare, mental health, and other qualified professionals to identify children and adolescents who may be experiencing depressive symptoms. They are screening tools only and do not establish a diagnosis. A positive result or ongoing concern should be followed by further assessment from an appropriately qualified professional.
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Modified for Adolescents (PHQ-9A / PHQ-A)
English | Spanish
A brief self-report screening tool used to identify and measure the severity of depressive symptoms in adolescents.
Ages: 11–17
Completed by: Youth
Time: approximately 5 minutes
Important: Any endorsement of suicidal thoughts requires further suicide-risk assessment.
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
A 9-item self-report tool used to screen for depression and monitor symptom severity. The official PHQ site includes English, Spanish, and other translations.
Completed by: Youth/adult
Time: approximately 5 minutes
Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ)
Child Self-Report | Parent Report on Child
A brief 13-item depression screening measure for children and adolescents, with child- and parent-report versions available.
Ages: 6–17
Completed by: Youth or parent/caregiver
Time: approximately 5 minutes
Languages: English, Spanish, and several additional translations are available. Duke allows the forms to be downloaded and used free of charge.
Clinical Guidance
AACAP Clinical Practice Guideline for the Assessment and Treatment of Children and Adolescents With Major and Persistent Depressive Disorders
Evidence-based guidance for healthcare and mental health professionals on assessment, treatment, monitoring, and ongoing management of depressive disorders in children and adolescents. The current AACAP guideline was published in 2023.
