The PHQ-4 has a range of 0-27. Lower scores indicate

The PHQ-4 has a range of 0-27. Lower scores indicate

• A. Higher scores indicate milder presentations
• B. Lower scores indicate milder presentations
• C. Lower scores indicate more severe symptoms
• D. PHQ-4 scores are not related to severity

Answer: (B)

The PHQ-4 is scored so that more points mean more symptoms. Each item is rated 0 to 3, and the four items are summed to give a total that reflects overall distress. Because the score increases with symptom frequency and intensity, a lower total indicates milder symptoms, while a higher total points to greater severity. That’s why the statement about lower scores indicating milder presentations is the correct interpretation.

The PHQ-4 is scored so that more points mean more symptoms. Each item is rated 0 to 3, and the four items are summed to give a total that reflects overall distress. Because the score increases with symptom frequency and intensity, a lower total indicates milder symptoms, while a higher total points to greater severity. That’s why the statement about lower scores indicating milder presentations is the correct interpretation.