Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)
A validated 9-question screening tool used by healthcare professionals to assess the severity of depression symptoms over the past two weeks.
Who Is This Test For?
The PHQ-9 is designed for adults who want to better understand their mood and emotional well-being. It's commonly used as an initial screening in clinical settings, but it's also valuable for personal insight and tracking changes over time.
- Adults experiencing persistent low mood, loss of interest, or hopelessness
- Those curious about their current depression levels compared to clinical thresholds
- People looking to track changes in mood symptoms over time
- Anyone preparing to discuss mood or emotional concerns with a healthcare provider
Over the past 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?
Little interest or pleasure in doing things
Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
Feeling tired or having little energy
Poor appetite or overeating
Feeling bad about yourself - or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down
Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television
Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed? Or the opposite - being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual
Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way
Good To Know
Activity Comes Before Motivation
When depressed, waiting to 'feel like' doing something rarely works-motivation follows action, not the other way around. Even small activities like a 5-minute walk, making your bed, or stepping outside can create momentum. Start tiny; the feeling of accomplishment builds from there.
Sleep and Mood Are Connected
Depression disrupts sleep, and poor sleep worsens depression-a difficult cycle. Going to bed and waking at consistent times helps, even on weekends. Limit screens before bed, keep your room cool and dark, and avoid napping after 3pm. Small improvements in sleep often bring noticeable mood benefits.
Connection Matters More Than You Think
Depression often pushes us to isolate, but human connection is one of the most powerful mood boosters. Even brief interactions-a text to a friend, a short phone call, or simply being around others-can help. You don't need deep conversations; just showing up counts.
Understanding the PHQ-9
T he PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) was developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, and Kurt Kroenke as a brief, validated tool for screening, diagnosing, and monitoring depression severity. It has become one of the most widely used depression screening instruments in both clinical practice and research worldwide.
Each question asks about symptoms you've experienced over the past two weeks, with responses ranging from 'not at all' (0 points) to 'nearly every day' (3 points). Your total score ranges from 0 to 27, with established thresholds indicating minimal (0-4), mild (5-9), moderate (10-14), moderately severe (15-19), and severe (20-27) depression levels.
The PHQ-9 has excellent reliability and validity, with a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 88% for detecting major depression using a cutoff score of 10. However, it's important to understand that this is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. Only a qualified healthcare provider can diagnose depression after a comprehensive evaluation.
The PHQ-9 is freely available and has been translated into numerous languages, making it accessible for use in diverse clinical and community settings around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the PHQ-9?
The PHQ-9 has excellent reliability and validity. Research shows it correctly identifies major depression with 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity using a cutoff score of 10. However, it's a screening tool, not a diagnostic test-a mental health professional should confirm any diagnosis after a comprehensive evaluation.
How often should I take this test?
If you're monitoring your mood, taking the test every 2-4 weeks can help you track changes over time. The questions specifically ask about the past two weeks, so more frequent testing isn't meaningful. If you're in treatment, your provider may recommend a specific monitoring schedule.
Can my score change over time?
Yes, depression symptoms naturally fluctuate based on life circumstances, sleep quality, physical health, and many other factors. Treatment, therapy, lifestyle changes, and self-help techniques can significantly improve your score over time. Many people see meaningful improvement within weeks of starting appropriate treatment.
What's the difference between sadness and depression?
Everyone experiences sadness sometimes-it's a normal human response to loss, disappointment, or difficult situations. Depression is different: it involves persistent low mood lasting at least two weeks, along with other symptoms like loss of interest, sleep changes, and fatigue. Unlike sadness, depression significantly impairs daily functioning and doesn't simply go away when circumstances improve.
Should I share my results with my doctor?
Yes, sharing your PHQ-9 results with a healthcare provider can be very helpful. Many clinicians use this exact screening tool and will immediately understand your score. It provides a useful starting point for discussion and helps track your progress if you begin treatment. You can screenshot or write down your score to bring to appointments.
More Tests
This self-assessment is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It cannot replace a professional evaluation by a qualified mental health provider. If you're experiencing significant distress or your symptoms are affecting your daily life, please seek help from a healthcare professional. If you're in crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis helpline.