From PHQ-2 to SRS-22: how a depression screening tool relates to SRS scores in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Purpose The aim of our study was to determine the relationship between Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) scores- a simple, validated depression screening tool-and Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 questionnaire scores in patients with idiopathic scoliosis (IS). Methods IS patients screened for depression with the PHQ-2 who completed the SRS-22 over a 2-year period were reviewed. If PHQ-2 scores were positive (> 3), the more comprehensive PHQ-9 was administered. Median SRS-22 scores between positive and negative PHQ screens were compared. Nonparametric correlation between PHQ and SRS-22 Mental Health (MH) domain was performed. The ability of the MH domain to discriminate between patients with positive versus negative screens and patients with moderate-severe depression risk versus no-mild risk was evaluated with ROC analysis. Results 521 patients were included. Patients with + PHQ-2 screens had significantly lower total and individual domain SRS scores, especially within the MH domain (4.0 vs. 3.2). For those with moderate-severe depression risk, total and individual domain scores were also significantly lower (MH domain, 4.0 vs. 3.0, p < 0.05). A weak, but significant correlation was observed between the PHQ and MH domain scores (rho = 0.32, p < 0.001). A cut-off of >= 3.6 on the MH domain demonstrated sensitivity of 0.75 and specificity of 0.86 for identifying patients at no-mild risk for depression. Conclusion Recognizing mental health conditions is critical to successful IS treatment as psychosocial conditions can negatively affect treatment outcomes. IS patients scoring < 3.6 on the SRS-22 MH domain should be considered for depression screening due to an increased risk of moderate-severe depression.