Depression Screener (PHQ-9)
A brief, educational depression symptom screener.
This is an educational screening tool, not a clinical diagnosis. If results concern you, please speak with a qualified health professional.
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?
1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things
What this test measures
The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) is a clinically validated tool that measures the frequency of nine key symptoms of depression over the past two weeks. It aligns with the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder from the DSM-5 (the standard manual used by mental health professionals). Each symptom—such as low mood, loss of interest, sleep problems, low energy, and changes in appetite—is rated on a scale from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day).
How it works
You answer nine simple questions about how often you've been bothered by these symptoms. There are no right or wrong answers—just what feels true for you. Once you finish, your total score (0–27) is calculated instantly. The higher the score, the more severe the depressive symptoms. The entire process takes about 5 minutes, and you don’t need to share any personal information.
How to read your results
Your score places you in one of five categories:
- 0–4: None or minimal depression
- 5–9: Mild depression
- 10–14: Moderate depression
- 15–19: Moderately severe depression
- 20–27: Severe depression
A score of 10 or higher is often used as a cutoff for major depression in research and clinical practice. However, this is not a diagnosis. Think of it as a snapshot that can help you decide whether to talk to a professional about your mental health.
Who it's for
This screener is for anyone 18 or older who is curious about their mood or concerned about depression symptoms. It’s also useful for individuals who want to track changes over time. It is not meant for children or for people in immediate crisis—if you are thinking about harming yourself, please call a crisis line or go to the nearest emergency room.
The science behind it
The PHQ-9 was developed by Dr. Kurt Kroenke and colleagues in 2001 and has been validated in hundreds of studies worldwide. At a cutoff of ≥10, it has a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 88% for major depression—meaning it catches most cases while keeping false positives low. It is used in primary care, research, and mental health settings globally. The tool is also sensitive to change, so you can retake it to see if your symptoms are improving or worsening over time.
Sources
- Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., & Williams, J. B. (2001). The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(9), 606–613.
- Spitzer, R. L., Kroenke, K., & Williams, J. B. (1999). Validation and utility of a self-report version of PRIME-MD: the PHQ primary care study. JAMA, 282(18), 1737–1744.
- Gilbody, S., Richards, D., Brealey, S., & Hewitt, C. (2007). Screening for depression in medical settings with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ): a diagnostic meta-analysis. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 22(11), 1596–1602.
FAQ
Is this test accurate?
Yes, the PHQ-9 is one of the most widely validated depression screeners. Studies show it correctly identifies about 88% of people with major depression at a cutoff of 10 or higher. However, no test is perfect—false positives and false negatives can occur. It's a helpful starting point, not a final word.
Is it free?
Absolutely. This test is completely free to take. There are no charges, hidden fees, or subscription requirements.
How long does it take?
Most people finish the 9 questions in about 5 minutes. You'll see your result instantly after submitting.
Is this a clinical diagnosis?
No. The PHQ-9 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. Only a qualified mental health professional can diagnose depression after a thorough evaluation. Your score can help you decide whether to seek professional advice.
Can I retake it?
Yes, you can take it as often as you like. Many people retake it weekly or monthly to track changes in their symptoms. This can be useful for monitoring progress or recognizing patterns.