My Dad scored 15 on the phq-9, what does this mean?

[StartingAfresh]

GP gave him prozac and a referral to a psychiatrist.

What happens next?

How old is your Dad? Does he have any history of depression?
Can you ask his GP for some advice as to whether you can help (as a concerned son/daughter) or can you ask at your GP surgery what this can mean and involve and if there is anything you should/could be aware of that may help?
Is there anyone who can accompany him to the psych? (Does Dad feel that this would be useful or he'd rather be seen alone?)
Parents can become a worry for us all as they get older and sometimes it is worth trying to learn what you can from the professionals around. There is no guarantee that they will help, but nothing ventured...
Hope you get some answers xx

He's only 64. He hasn't got a history of depression as far as I know. He lives 400miles away from me and I have no idea who his GP is.

I only know this happened because my mum took him to the GP but they are seperated and she also lives 6 hours away from him so I don't know if she will be able to accompany him to the Psyciatrist.

That's why I was just asking here to see what people's experiences are and if anyone has any idea what the process is ordinarily.

I don't think my Dad even wants to go to the doctors/psychiatrist particularly.

A score of 15 is suggestive of moderate/moderately severe depression. I would expect that your dads GP will not give you any info about whats going without your dads permission.

I would suggest that your dad goes to the next appointment, its likely this appointment will be to determine what's going on and if they can help in some way. Low mood can be a symptom of so many things, so its always best to get this checked.
This process sounds pretty standard to me. they wouldn't do it if they didn't think it was important.

Have you spoken to your dad about whats happening? It might help to speak with him about it. I'm sure just knowing that you care will be helpful to him.

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No I haven't spoken to him. He doesn't listen or respond when I talk to him. He takes ages to answer a simple question and then says he's forgotten what it is.

I sent him an email with some information and my mum said he read it but he hasn't responded nor will he.

The thing about his behaviour is that is isn't any different from how it has always been, just more extreme iyswim.

So, he used to hord building materials but now he includes general day-to-day rubbish. He used to obsessively break down cardboard for recylicing and make it flat, but now it has to all be in bits no bigger than a couple of centimeters.

It's very strange.

OK. The depression might be a red herring, like I said low mood can be a symptom of other difficulties. If he sees a psychiatrist they should do a full history. Try not to worry too much and rest assured that at least professionals are aware of what is going on and are involved. Its ok to let his GP and other professionals know who you are and how to contact you. They may ask your dad for permission to speak to you.
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