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BMC Psychiatry

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Dysthymic Disorder | Research article

Validity of the patient health questionnaire 9-item in autistic youths: a pilot study

Authors: Thanita Pilunthanakul, Tze Jui Goh, Daniel Shuen Sheng Fung, Rehena Sultana, John Carson Allen, Min Sung

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Autistic adolescents have greater predisposition to depression and suicidality than neurotypical adolescents. Early detection is essential for timely treatment. The Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item (PHQ-9) is a brief screen for depression. The study examines the validity of the PHQ-9 for detecting major depressive disorder (MDD) in autistic youths.

Methods

English speaking youths aged 10–18 years, with DSM-IV/DSM-5/ICD-10 diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and their parents presenting to a child psychiatric service were invited to participate between May 2018 to August 2020. Participants completed the respective self- and parent-rated PHQ-9 independently. MDD was verified using the MINI-Kid (Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Kid version).

Results

One hundred one youth, mean (SD) age 14.6 (2.3), were enrolled. 27 (27%) met criteria for current MDD. Mean total PHQ-9 scores, percentage ratings for severity of symptoms of depression, functional impairment, dysthymia and suicidality were compared. Areas under the ROC curve and statistically optimal cutoffs were determined. Parents rated depressive symptoms severity lower than their children. The PHQ-9 displayed low sensitivity with high false negative rates at conventional, adjusted and proposed cutoffs.

Conclusions

Future studies should improve on the validity and reliability of existing depression screening tools, or develop more appropriate screening methods of depression, for autistic youths.

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Title: Validity of the patient health questionnaire 9-item in autistic youths: a pilot study
Authors: Thanita Pilunthanakul
Tze Jui Goh
Daniel Shuen Sheng Fung
Rehena Sultana
John Carson Allen
Min Sung
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Dysthymic Disorder
Mood Disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Affective Disorder
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03556-w

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Validity of the patient health questionnaire 9-item in autistic youths: a pilot study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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