What is the PHQ-9 Depression Test?

The PHQ-9 is a 9-item self-report questionnaire developed by Kroenke, Spitzer and Williams to screen for depressive symptoms and assess their severity over the last two weeks.

Is this online PHQ-9 test a diagnosis?

No. This online PHQ-9 is an educational self-help tool and does not provide a clinical diagnosis. Only a qualified health professional can assess and diagnose depressive disorders.

How should I answer the PHQ-9 questions?

Answer according to how often you have been bothered by each symptom over the last two weeks. Try to respond honestly based on your overall experience rather than on one single day.

What does a high PHQ-9 score mean?

Higher scores indicate more frequent depressive symptoms and can fall into ranges often described as mild, moderate, moderately severe or severe. A high score suggests that it may be helpful to discuss your symptoms with a health professional for a more complete evaluation.

PHQ-9 Depression Test – Depressive Symptoms Self-Report

How the test works

You will see the original nine PHQ-9 items, one at a time. Please answer based on how often you have been bothered by each problem over the last two weeks. All questions are required.

What this test measures

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) measures how often, over the last two weeks, you have been bothered by:

low mood and loss of interest or pleasure,
changes in sleep, energy and appetite,
feelings of worthlessness or guilt,
difficulty concentrating, slowing or agitation,
thoughts that you would be better off dead or of self-harm.

Scores are commonly grouped into minimal, mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe ranges, which can help guide whether it may be useful to talk to a health professional.:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

How to use this result

A higher PHQ-9 score suggests that depressive symptoms are more frequent and may deserve careful attention, but it does not say anything about your worth as a person. Depression is common and often treatable.

You might use this score as a starting point to observe patterns, track change over time and, if needed, to open a conversation with a professional about mood, energy, sleep, motivation and protective factors in your life.

PHQ-9 Depression Test – FAQ

Can I use this result to self-diagnose depression?

No. The PHQ-9 is a screening and severity tool, not a standalone diagnostic interview. Only a qualified professional can integrate this information with your clinical history, context and other factors to reach a diagnosis.

What should I do if I score high on item 9?

Item 9 refers to thoughts that you would be better off dead or of self-harm. If you selected this option for “more than half the days” or “nearly every day”, or if you are worried about your safety, please seek help immediately from your doctor, local emergency services or a crisis helpline in your area.

Can I repeat the PHQ-9 over time?

Yes. The PHQ-9 is often used to monitor how symptoms change, for example before and after starting a treatment. Scores should always be interpreted together with your subjective experience and clinical judgement, not in isolation.

PHQ-9 Depression Test