Important Disclaimer
This screening tool is for educational and self-awareness purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately by calling or texting 988.
What This Assessment Measures
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)
- Fatigue and low energy
- Appetite or weight changes
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Concentration difficulties
- Psychomotor changes (restlessness or slowness)
- Suicidal ideation
9
Questions
3–5
Minutes
100%
Confidential
About the PHQ-9
The PHQ-9 was developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, and Kurt Kroenke and is based on the diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder in the DSM-5. It is one of the most widely validated depression screening instruments in clinical practice, with extensive research supporting its reliability across diverse populations.
Each question corresponds to one of the nine DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder. The total score helps clinicians gauge symptom severity and track changes over time during treatment. The PHQ-9 is not a diagnostic tool on its own but serves as an effective first step in identifying individuals who may benefit from further clinical evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PHQ-9?+
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a validated, 9-item self-report screening tool used to assess the severity of depression. It is based on the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder and is widely used in primary care and mental health settings worldwide.
How accurate is the PHQ-9?+
The PHQ-9 has been extensively validated with sensitivity and specificity of approximately 88% for detecting major depression at a cutoff score of 10. However, it is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A clinical evaluation is needed for formal diagnosis.
How is the PHQ-9 scored?+
Each of the 9 questions is scored 0-3, giving a total score 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.
Can I use the PHQ-9 to diagnose myself?+
No. The PHQ-9 is a screening tool that helps identify possible depression. Only a qualified mental health professional can make a clinical diagnosis after a thorough evaluation.
How often should I take the PHQ-9?+
If you're in treatment, your clinician may administer the PHQ-9 at each visit to track progress. For self-monitoring, taking it every 2-4 weeks can help you notice trends in your symptoms.
Are my responses stored?+
No. All responses remain completely private and local to your browser. No data is collected, stored, or transmitted to any server.
References
- Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB. The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. J Gen Intern Med. 2001;16(9):606-613.
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). 2013.
- Manea L, Gilbody S, McMillan D. Optimal cut-off score for diagnosing depression with the PHQ-9. CMAJ. 2012;184(3):E191-E196.
- Löwe B, Unützer J, Callahan CM, et al. Monitoring depression treatment outcomes with the PHQ-9. Med Care. 2004;42(12):1194-1201.
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