Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) — Depression Screening & Severity Test
Likert options screening and monitoring depression severity over the past two weeks.
The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a widely used, evidence-based screening tool for depression, designed to assess depressive symptoms and severity over the past two weeks. This quick Likert-style questionnaire evaluates core symptoms such as low mood, sleep problems, energy, appetite, concentration, and thoughts of self-harm. The PHQ-9 is ideal for clinicians, primary care providers, and individuals monitoring mental health because it is brief, validated, and easy to score.
Use this PHQ-9 Depression Screening to measure symptoms of depression, track changes over time, and guide conversations with a mental health professional. Completing the PHQ-9 regularly can help identify worsening symptoms early and support timely intervention. This test is not a substitute for a clinical diagnosis but is an important first step in mental health screening and monitoring.
Little interest or pleasure in doing things
Over the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by having little interest or pleasure in doing things?
Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
Over the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?
Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
Over the past two weeks, how often have you had trouble with sleep (falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much)?
Feeling tired or having little energy
Over the past two weeks, how often have you felt tired or had little energy?
Poor appetite or overeating
Over the past two weeks, how often have you experienced poor appetite or overeating?
Feeling bad about yourself — or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down
Over the past two weeks, how often have you been bothered by feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt?
Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television
Over the past two weeks, how often have you had trouble concentrating on things?
Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed, or being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving a lot more than usual
Over the past two weeks, how often have you experienced noticeable changes in movement or restlessness?
Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way
Over the past two weeks, how often have you had thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself?
Frequently asked questions
The PHQ-9 measures the presence and severity of depressive symptoms over the past two weeks using nine items that correspond to DSM diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder. It provides a numerical score that helps screen for depression and monitor changes over time.
No. The PHQ-9 is a validated screening and monitoring instrument, not a standalone diagnostic test. A high score indicates clinically significant symptoms and should prompt further evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Each of the nine items is scored 0 to 3 (Not at all = 0 to Nearly every day = 3). Scores are summed to yield a total between 0 and 27. Standard score ranges are 0–4 (minimal), 5–9 (mild), 10–14 (moderate), 15–19 (moderately severe), and 20–27 (severe). Higher scores suggest greater symptom severity and may require clinical intervention.
Frequency depends on your situation. For routine screening, primary care providers may use it annually or during visits. For monitoring treatment response, clinicians often repeat the PHQ-9 every 2–4 weeks. If symptoms change or worsen, retake the test sooner and consult a healthcare provider.
If you endorse thoughts of self-harm or suicide (any response greater than 'Not at all' on item 9), seek immediate help. Contact emergency services, a crisis hotline, or your healthcare provider. Item 9 is a critical safety question and requires prompt clinical assessment and support.
The PHQ-9 is validated primarily for use in adolescents (with clinical guidance) and adults. For younger children, other age-appropriate screening tools are recommended. Clinicians should consider developmental factors when interpreting results for adolescents and older adults.
The PHQ-9 itself is a clinical screening tool; confidentiality depends on the setting where you take it. In healthcare settings, results are protected under medical privacy rules. If taking the test online, review the platform's privacy policy to understand data storage and sharing practices.
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