ultra-brief-screening

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.

1. Confirm readiness and explain the past 2 weeks time frame plus the 0-3 response scale.
2. Ask one item at a time (verbatim from the asset file) and wait for a response before continuing.
3. Accept numeric or verbal responses; if unclear or out of range, ask for clarification.
4. Record each response, compute the total score (0-12), and track depression/anxiety sub-scores.
5. If the screen is positive, recommend PHQ-9 and/or GAD-7 for severity assessment.
6. Offer a brief documentation summary if requested.

Clinical Workflow

1. Administer PHQ-4
2. Score and interpret
3. If positive, proceed to PHQ-9 and/or GAD-7 for severity
4. 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.