The Matt Walsh Show Ep. 1638 - The Fake “Mental Health” Test Coming To Your Child’s School
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Aug 11, 2025 A controversial new policy in Illinois mandates mental health screenings for kids, raising alarms about potential pharmaceutical interests. Discussions touch on the implications of using flawed tests like the PHQ-9 and the risks of over-medicalization. On a different note, the military's role in combating drug cartels is debated, while social media's portrayal of entitlement among EBT recipients sparks a conversation about societal perceptions of welfare. The clash between authenticity and artificial living also emerges as a key theme.
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PHQ‑9 Is A Broad Symptom Screener
- The PHQ‑9 lists nine common negative symptoms and scores their frequency to flag possible depression.
- Matt Walsh warns many listed symptoms (tiredness, sleep trouble) are normal and poor indicators of clinical depression.
Patient Pressured Into Zoloft
- Callie Williams filled out a PHQ‑9 at a prenatal visit and was told she needed Zoloft.
- She requested further evaluation but says staff relied on the checked boxes and pressured her to comply.
Pharma Funded The PHQ‑9's Creation
- Pfizer funded development of the PHQ‑9 to expand SSRI prescribing into primary care.
- Matt Walsh recounts a marketing manager led its creation, raising major conflicts of interest.