Validated screening tools make it possible for family physicians to detect mood and behavioral disorders efficiently, even during short visits. In this video, Teresa Lovins, MD, owner of Lovin My Health DPC in Columbus, Indiana, shares the screeners she relies on in her practice, including the PHQ-9 for depression, the GAD-7 for anxiety, and additional instruments for ADHD and bipolar disorder. Dr Lovins explains how these brief questionnaires can be administered by staff before the physician enters the room, giving clinicians immediate insight into symptoms and allowing for timely conversations and treatment planning.
The following transcript has been lightly edited for style and clarity.
Teresa Lovins, MD: The screeners I typically use to look for mood disorders include the PHQ-9, which identifies symptoms of depression, and the GAD-7, which looks for symptoms of anxiety. We also use a screener for ADHD and the Mood Disorder Questionnaire, which screens for bipolar symptoms. These tools are very quick, and our staff can administer them so that the information is available when the physician enters the room and can address any positive responses with the patient.
For more of our conversation with Dr Lovins, check out: