Which instrument was used to monitor depressive symptoms in the case example?

Which instrument was used to monitor depressive symptoms in the case example?

• A. Major Depression Inventory (MDI)
• B. Beck Depression Inventory
• C. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale
• D. PHQ-9

Answer: (A)

Monitoring depressive symptoms over time works best when the tool is brief, easy for clients to complete repeatedly, and capable of yielding a clear severity score that tracks change. The Major Depression Inventory fits this need well. It is a concise self-report measure that screens for depression and gauges severity in a way that aligns with ICD-10 criteria, so clinicians can see whether symptoms are improving, worsening, or remaining the same across follow-ups. Because it relies on the client’s own report and doesn’t require extensive training to administer, it’s practical for regular monitoring during treatment or case management. Other instruments have valuable uses—the Beck Depression Inventory is longer and more item-heavy, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale is clinician-rated and more time-consuming, and the PHQ-9 is another brief, self-report option—but the case example specifically employed the Major Depression Inventory because of its straightforward, repeatable severity scoring aligned with diagnostic criteria, making it well-suited for tracking changes over time.

Monitoring depressive symptoms over time works best when the tool is brief, easy for clients to complete repeatedly, and capable of yielding a clear severity score that tracks change. The Major Depression Inventory fits this need well. It is a concise self-report measure that screens for depression and gauges severity in a way that aligns with ICD-10 criteria, so clinicians can see whether symptoms are improving, worsening, or remaining the same across follow-ups. Because it relies on the client’s own report and doesn’t require extensive training to administer, it’s practical for regular monitoring during treatment or case management. Other instruments have valuable uses—the Beck Depression Inventory is longer and more item-heavy, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale is clinician-rated and more time-consuming, and the PHQ-9 is another brief, self-report option—but the case example specifically employed the Major Depression Inventory because of its straightforward, repeatable severity scoring aligned with diagnostic criteria, making it well-suited for tracking changes over time.