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PHQ-9 Screening: “ Little interest or pleasure in doing things?”
“Little interest or pleasure in doing things.” This is one of the 9 questions on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) screening for depression during most medical visits that absolutely infuriates me! I have all the interest but am physically unable to do things with my LC. (It would be like asking this of someone newly confined to a wheelchair - completely insensitive and inappropriate.)
I get so upset when dealing with this question and explaining my situation that I am noted as being depressed. (?!) Subsequently, my LC issues of fatigue and brain fog are being dismissed as anxiety and depression. I actually went to a Long Covid clinic (four hours away) for months only to be told that basically it’s all in my head. 😡
Anyone else have a similar experience?
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Exactly— the paper says that Long Haul Clinics should NOT be run by mental health providers. NOT.
My point was that blaming LH symptoms on mental health is NOT ok.
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2 ReactionsThat is …. Beyond.
Aaaaaargh!!! I’m going to punch something for you. Unacceptable malpractice… $))!!$!?!!&,
( that is indicating socially acceptable cursing)
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1 ReactionWhile I appreciate your patience and macro view …. a terribly sick patient goes in for help and is highjacked by a mental health worker— who proceeds to TELL sick pt’s PCP?!? And now their primary care physician blows them off and their symptoms as being psychiatric issues ??
No. That is unacceptable.
This chat has helped so many of us who are life-altering ill and who have TRIED clinics… and are told it is “a mental illness”. Doctors are human, I agree. And very little is known abt this, yes. But human beings can just say: I don’t know. I’m sorry.
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3 ReactionsSorry, but my p.s. to my own comment.
Lest anyone thinks I’m bad-mouthing. In my family I’ve got MD’s, RN’s and LCSW and mental health paraprofessionals. We discuss this often.
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1 Reactionunderstand and totally agree it is not ok to blame pain and LH symptoms on stress. Patients are dying from long covid.
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1 ReactionIt will soon be addressed a a metabolic dysfunction. Dr’s don’t know they were busy before the pandemic. I’m teaching an educational
series I hope to bring in line for free for people like us. Like you I’m recovering and coping with the lack support and treatment options. 3 years later I’m finding my feet and have so much to share for free because we have all suffered enough. Hugs.
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3 ReactionsThe depression screening is a good thing however one does not have to answer it honestly when you yourself know that your lack of interest is due to inability. Professionals “should “ know the difference and delve into the why.
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2 ReactionsAlso, LC clinics should no longer be run by pulmonologists as they were originally set up (understandably so, but now it’s known that the primary symptoms of fatigue and brain fog are not pulmonary). I just started a new virtual LC clinic on Thursday and it was so refreshing to have this all validated. Furthermore, this new doctor (who is neither a pulmonologist nor a mental health specialist) is up to speed on all the emerging science and literature. I no longer have to do all the research myself, provide it to my doctor, and request specific treatments based on the most current data.
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3 ReactionsOh YES!!!! That was the issue with mine! THANKYOU for saying that— the pulmonologist was the main overseer. Not helpful.
Do you feel comfortable saying what program? Or do you fear they’ll be flooded ( very legit fear, mind you)
Can you share what your LC virtual clinic is?