WIC Works Resource System
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Depression Screening Tools
WIC and Other Sources
While diagnosing and treating depression are outside of WIC's scope, WIC’s nutrition assessment process and referral services can help connect women with (or at risk for) depression to appropriate services.
As noted in WIC Guidance for Screening and Referring Women With or at Risk for Depression, there are simple and effective screening tools that can be incorporated into the WIC nutrition assessment process. Examples of highly sensitive screening tools noted in this guidance include:
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (permission required to copy)
Postpartum Depression Screening Scale
Patient Health Questionnaires (PHQ).
PHQ-9, the nine-item depression module from the full PHQ, are available with automatic scoring.
PHQ-9 in multiple languages is also available online for downloading, with instructions for coding and scoring.
*These tools are self-administered versions, and are not diagnostic tests. WIC staff may use them to help identify women who may need referrals for appropriate services. Only direct, personal interaction with a mental health professional can provide an accurate assessment of symptoms.