Background: Depression is a significant concern in adolescents, especially in hospitalized patients. Efficient screening tools are critical to detect and manage depression in this population. This study aimed to compare the predictive value of PHQ2 and PHQ9 scores in detecting depression in adolescents in a tertiary care hospital setting.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted involving 70 adolescent patients (aged 10-19 years) admitted in Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute hospitals from March to April 2023. Patients were assessed using PHQ2 and PHQ9 questionnaires during their hospital stay.

Results: Results demonstrated a strong positive correlation between PHQ2 and PHQ9 scores (r=0.852, p<0.01). Out of the total patients, 25.7% scored ≥3 on PHQ2, indicating a risk for depression. PHQ9 categories ranged from Minimal to Severe Depression, with 60.0% of participants falling under Minimal Depression and 14.3% under Mild to Severe Depression categories.

Conclusion: The study confirms the efficacy of both PHQ2 and PHQ9 as reliable screening tools for depression among adolescents in a tertiary care setting. Both tools are advantageous, with PHQ2 offering a rapid initial assessment and PHQ9 providing a detailed evaluation of depression severity. These findings underscore the importance of routine mental health screenings in hospitals.