PHQ-8 scores and estimation of depression prevalence - Author's reply

Abstract

We thank Brooke Levis and colleaguesfor their interest in our work and for suggesting that we might have overestimated the prevalence of depression by using the eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) in our study. Although we acknowledged the limitations associated with the use of the PHQ-8, we believe that further discussion is required.It should be noted that a study of this size, with a representative sample of 27 countries and 258 888 participants, would not be feasible using clinical interviews, and the use of an instrument such as the PHQ-8 is considered more appropriate.