Psychometric properties and correlates of the PHQ-2 and PHQ-9 after traumatic brain injury

Primary objective: To determine the predictive accuracy of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-2 in predicting PHQ-9 findings and to examine demographic, historical, and injury correlates of PHQ-9 ratings.& para;& para;Research design: Retrospective analysis of data collected as part of routine clinical outpatient care over a period of 30 months on 168 persons with mild to severe traumatic brain injury, who were referred for neuropsychological evaluation within 1-12 months after injury.& para;& para;Main outcomes and results: PHQ-2 scores >= 2 had a sensitivity of 0.90 in predicting PHQ-9 scores >= 10, and a sensitivity of 0.95 in predicting endorsement of any passive or active suicidal thoughts on the PHQ-9. Premorbid history of having experienced personal abuse was the strongest predictor of post-injury PHQ-9 ratings.& para;& para;Conclusions: The PHQ-2 has adequate sensitivity in predicting PHQ-9 findings and can be used as a screener in clinical practice in persons with traumatic brain injury, as long as formal psychometric assessment is supplemented with a comprehensive review of premorbid history.