Story perspectives

Study Reveals Confusion in Mental Health Questionnaires

12/22/2025

Summary

Story summary

A study in JAMA Psychiatry highlights confusion around the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) due to wording like "bothered by."
In an experiment with 850 participants, only 38% accurately responded to a question about oversleeping after additional context.
Lead researcher Zachary Cohen emphasized that this misunderstanding could significantly impact mental health assessments.
He advocates clearer language in questionnaires to ensure accurate symptom reporting, especially when medications affect appetite or sleep.

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Story summary

A study in JAMA Psychiatry highlights confusion around the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) due to wording like "bothered by."
In an experiment with 850 participants, only 38% accurately responded to a question about oversleeping after additional context.
Lead researcher Zachary Cohen emphasized that this misunderstanding could significantly impact mental health assessments.
He advocates clearer language in questionnaires to ensure accurate symptom reporting, especially when medications affect appetite or sleep.