By name: "ultra-brief-screening" description: "Use when time is limited and you need a rapid combined depression and anxiety screen. Provides PHQ-4 (PHQ-2 + GAD-2) with interpretation and triage guidance."
Ultra-Brief Screening
Description
This skill provides the PHQ-4, a rapid combined depression and anxiety screener ideal for high-volume or time-limited settings.
Quick Reference
| Assessment | Items | Time | Purpose | Cutoff | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHQ-4 | 4 | <1 min | Ultra-brief depression + anxiety screen | Total ≥6 suggests high likelihood | Primary care, universal screening, triage |
Assessment Tool
PHQ-4
Complete assessment with items, scoring, and documentation: → assets/phq-4.md
Interactive Administration (Optional)
Use this mode when the clinician says "start" or "administer" the PHQ-4.
- Confirm readiness and explain the past 2 weeks time frame plus the 0-3 response scale.
- Ask one item at a time (verbatim from the asset file) and wait for a response before continuing.
- Accept numeric or verbal responses; if unclear or out of range, ask for clarification.
- Record each response, compute the total score (0-12), and track depression/anxiety sub-scores.
- If the screen is positive, recommend PHQ-9 and/or GAD-7 for severity assessment.
- Offer a brief documentation summary if requested.
Clinical Workflow
- Administer PHQ-4
- Score and interpret
- If positive, proceed to PHQ-9 and/or GAD-7 for severity
- Document results and next steps
Documentation
Use the documentation template in the PHQ-4 asset file.
References
- See references files in this skill and shared clinical references.