psychiatry

PHQ-15 for Somatic Symptom Severity

15-item somatic symptom severity scale derived from the full PHQ. Score 0–30. Assesses frequency of physical complaints with no medical explanation. Score ≥10 = high somatic symptom severity.

Stomach pain*

Back pain*

Pain in your arms, legs, or joints (knees, hips, etc.)*

Menstrual cramps or other problems with your periods (women only)*

Headaches*

Chest pain*

Dizziness*

Fainting spells*

Feeling your heart pound or race*

Shortness of breath*

Constipation, loose bowels, or diarrhoea*

Nausea, gas, or indigestion*

Feeling tired or having low energy*

Trouble sleeping*

Sexual problems*

Score interpretation

Minimal 0–4

PHQ-15 0–4 — minimal somatic symptom burden

→ Reassurance; exclude treatable medical conditions; no specific somatic disorder intervention needed

Low 5–9

PHQ-15 5–9 — low somatic symptom severity

→ Psychoeducation on mind-body connection; screen for depression and anxiety (PHQ-9, GAD-7); address lifestyle factors

Medium 10–14

PHQ-15 10–14 — medium somatic symptom severity

→ Consider somatic symptom disorder (DSM-5); refer to psychological therapy (CBT); review and avoid excessive investigations; antidepressants may help comorbid depression/anxiety; psychiatry liaison if needed

High 15–30

PHQ-15 ≥15 — high somatic symptom burden

→ Specialist referral (liaison psychiatry or pain psychology); CBT for health anxiety; avoid reinforcing illness behaviour; multidisciplinary pain/somatic disorder clinic; consider low-dose TCA or SNRI for functional somatic symptoms

Interpretation bands for the PHQ-15. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

References

Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB. The PHQ-15: validity of a new measure for evaluating the severity of somatic symptoms. Psychosom Med. 2002;64(2):258–266.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.

Score interpretation

References

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