Depression Test (PHQ-9)
Take the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the most widely used depression screening tool in clinical practice. 9 questions, takes about 2 minutes. Your answers are 100% private and never leave your browser.
What Is the PHQ-9?
The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a clinically validated self-report instrument developed by Drs. Robert Spitzer, Janet Williams, and Kurt Kroenke with a grant from Pfizer. It is based on the nine diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder from the DSM-5. The PHQ-9 is used worldwide by primary care physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, and researchers as a reliable depression screener. It has been translated into over 80 languages and is in the public domain.
Signs of Depression
Depression is more than feeling sad. Common signs include persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, changes in appetite or weight, sleeping too much or too little, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty concentrating, and in severe cases, thoughts of death or self-harm. Symptoms must persist for at least two weeks and cause significant distress or functional impairment to meet diagnostic criteria.
When to Get Help
If your PHQ-9 score is 10 or above, or if depression symptoms are affecting your daily functioning, consider scheduling an evaluation with a mental health professional. Depression is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, antidepressant medication, and lifestyle changes are all effective treatment options. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.
How Scoring Works
Each question is scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day), giving a total range of 0-27. Scores of 0-4 indicate minimal depression, 5-9 mild, 10-14 moderate, 15-19 moderately severe, and 20-27 severe depression. The final question about functional difficulty helps gauge how much symptoms are impacting daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a real depression test?
Yes. The PHQ-9 is a clinically validated screening tool developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams, and Kroenke. It is the most widely used depression screener in primary care worldwide. However, it is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test — only a professional can diagnose depression.
What if I score high?
A high score (10+) suggests you should speak with a healthcare professional. Depression is highly treatable with therapy, medication, or both. If you are having thoughts of self-harm, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately by calling or texting 988.
Is my data private?
Yes. Your answers are processed entirely in your browser. Nothing is sent to any server. We do not collect, store, or transmit your responses. When you close the page, your answers are gone.
What is the PHQ-9?
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a 9-item self-report questionnaire based on the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder. It measures the frequency of depressive symptoms over the past two weeks and is used in clinical settings worldwide.
Is depression treatable?
Yes. Depression is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. About 80-90% of people with depression respond well to treatment. Options include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, antidepressant medication, exercise, and lifestyle modifications.
Who should take this test?
Anyone who suspects they may be experiencing symptoms of depression can take this screening. It is especially relevant if you have been feeling persistently sad, hopeless, or uninterested in activities for more than two weeks, or if depression runs in your family.