Written bySameer Patel — Founder & Editor

Last Updated Jun 24, 2026

PHQ‑9 Depression Screening Test

Answer 9 short questions about the last 2 weeks to estimate depressive symptom burden, then review severity range, symptom-pattern subtotals, highest-burden areas, and a detailed question-by-question breakdown in one mobile-friendly educational tool.

Detailed • Mobile-ready

Inputs

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by little interest or pleasure in doing things?

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much?

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by feeling tired or having little energy?

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by poor appetite or overeating?

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by feeling bad about yourself, or that you are a failure, or have let yourself or your family down?

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by trouble concentrating on things, such as reading or watching television?

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by 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?

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself in some way?

What this test uses

A 9-question depression symptom screening format scored from 0 to 27 based on symptoms during the last 2 weeks.

Important

This tool is educational and not a diagnosis. If you may harm yourself or feel unsafe, seek urgent help immediately.

Results

PHQ‑9 total score

—

Total symptom score across all 9 questions.

Interpretation

—

General educational interpretation of severity range.

Average item score

—

Shows average symptom frequency across questions.

Percent of maximum score

—

A broader way to contextualize the total result.

Core mood subtotal

—

Combines low interest and depressed mood symptoms.

Sleep and energy subtotal

—

Combines sleep disturbance and fatigue burden.

Self-worth and concentration subtotal

—

Highlights self-criticism and concentration burden.

Psychomotor symptom item

—

Restlessness or slowed movement/speech symptom score.

Safety-related item

—

Thoughts of being better off dead or self-harm item.

Highest-burden item

—

The strongest contributing symptom area.

Lowest-burden item

—

The least prominent symptom area in this result.

Score spread

—

Shows how even or uneven symptom burden appears across the questions.

Detailed interpretation

PHQ‑9 score: — • Severity context: —

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Interpretation table

Metric	Value	How to read it
PHQ‑9 total score	—	Total depressive symptom score from 0 to 27, with higher scores reflecting greater symptom burden.
Average item score	—	This shows the average frequency/intensity of symptoms across all 9 questions.
Percent of maximum score	—	Shows how much of the full possible PHQ‑9 score range was reached.
Core mood subtotal	—	Summarizes the two hallmark mood symptoms: low interest and depressed mood.
Sleep and energy subtotal	—	Summarizes disturbance related to sleep and low energy.
Self-worth and concentration subtotal	—	Summarizes self-critical thinking and cognitive concentration strain.
Safety-related item	—	This item needs special attention because any nonzero response can matter clinically.
Score spread	—	A wider spread means symptoms appear more uneven across domains.

Question-by-question breakdown

Question	Score	How to read it

Results appear after you click “Calculate.”

Looking for a quick, clinically trusted way to screen for depression symptoms? Use our PHQ-9 Depression Screening Test—a 9-question, two-minute self-assessment that helps you understand the severity of depressive symptoms and learn next steps. This PHQ-9 Depression Screening Test is free, private (client-side only), and optimized for mobile and desktop. It’s not a diagnosis, but it’s widely used around the world to support early recognition and monitoring of depression. PMC

Important: If you are in crisis or have thoughts of self-harm, contact your local emergency number immediately (e.g., 112/911/999) or go to the nearest emergency department. Question 9 in the PHQ-9 screens specifically for such thoughts and warrants prompt professional assessment if positive. hiv.uw.edu PMC

What is the PHQ-9 Depression Screening Test?

The PHQ-9 Depression Screening Test is the 9-item depression module of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). Each item maps to core DSM depressive symptoms and is scored 0–3 based on frequency over the past two weeks: 0 = not at all, 1 = several days, 2 = more than half the days, 3 = nearly every day. The total score ranges from 0 to 27 and aligns with standard severity bands used globally in clinical settings. Wiley Online Library American Psychiatric Association

The PHQ-9 has been shown to be a reliable and valid measure for depression severity in primary care and research, contributing to its worldwide adoption. PubMed PMC

How to use this PHQ-9 Depression Screening Test

Answer all 9 questions about how you’ve felt during the last two weeks.
Optional: Choose how difficult these problems have made life or work—that context helps interpret the result.
Click Get Results to see your PHQ-9 score and accompanying severity category.
Read the guidance aligned to your category and consider talking to a professional if needed.
Use the test periodically (e.g., every 2–4 weeks) to track changes or response to treatment plans.

Note: The PHQ-9 is a screening tool. Only a qualified clinician can make or rule out a diagnosis. American Psychological Association

PHQ-9 scoring: what your number means

The PHQ-9 Depression Screening Test adds up all nine responses for a total score (0–27). The standard interpretation is: hiv.uw.edu American Psychiatric Association

0–4: None–minimal
5–9: Mild
10–14: Moderate
15–19: Moderately severe
20–27: Severe

Why Question 9 matters: It asks about thoughts of self-harm. Any score above 0 on Q9 indicates a need for immediate, competent risk assessment by a trained professional—even if your total score is not high. hiv.uw.edu PMC

Next steps by severity band (educational guidance)

0–4 (None–minimal)
Your PHQ-9 Depression Screening Test result suggests minimal depressive symptoms. If you’re still concerned, consider lifestyle supports (sleep, activity, routine, social connection) and keep monitoring.

5–9 (Mild)
Mild symptoms can still affect day-to-day life. Self-care strategies, peer support, and early consultation with a healthcare professional may help—especially if symptoms persist beyond two weeks.

10–14 (Moderate)
Moderate symptoms typically warrant a professional evaluation. Evidence-based treatments (e.g., psychotherapy, and when indicated, medication) can significantly improve outcomes. Consider booking an appointment with a qualified provider.

15–19 (Moderately severe)
Symptoms are significant and commonly interfere with work, study, or relationships. Please seek timely clinical assessment. A personalized plan may include therapy, medication, and practical supports.

20–27 (Severe)
This range signals severe depressive symptoms. Seek urgent professional care. If you feel unsafe or unable to wait, contact emergency services now. American Psychological Association

Why the PHQ-9 is trusted worldwide

Clinically grounded: Developed and validated in large studies; widely used in primary care and research. PMC
Efficient: 9 items, typically under 2 minutes to complete.
Actionable: Clear severity thresholds guide next steps and treatment monitoring over time. American Psychiatric Association
Safety signal (Q9): Helps flag suicidal ideation risk for urgent follow-up. hiv.uw.edu PMC
Official access: The PHQ-9 questionnaire is publicly available via PHQ Screeners and professional organizations. phqscreeners.com American Psychological Association

Accuracy, validity, and limitations

Published research indicates the PHQ-9 performs well as a severity measure and as part of diagnostic workflows, and it’s recommended or referenced by major health bodies worldwide. However, it’s not a standalone diagnosis, and clinical judgment is always required—especially where other medical or psychological conditions may mimic depressive symptoms. PMC SAMHSA

Limitations: Scores can be influenced by current stressors, sleep, substance use, medical conditions, or how you interpret each item. Always discuss concerns with a qualified professional who can consider your full history and context. American Psychiatric Association

When to seek help immediately

You selected any response > 0 on Question 9 (thoughts of self-harm).
You feel unsafe, or your symptoms suddenly worsen.
You’re unable to manage daily responsibilities due to mood or motivation.

Act now: Contact local emergency services (e.g., 112/911/999) or go to the nearest emergency department. You can also consult crisis resources vetted by national or regional health authorities in your country. (For professional screening resources and guidance, see PHQ Screeners and SAMHSA’s screener page.) phqscreeners.com SAMHSA

How to read your PHQ-9 Depression Screening Test result (with examples)

Example A: Mostly “0” with one “1” → Score 1–2: likely none–minimal. Keep an eye on how you feel over the next two weeks.
Example B: Several “1”s and one “2” → Score around 6–8: mild—consider early supports and a check-in with a clinician if persistent.
Example C: Multiple “2”s → Score 12–14: moderate—time to book an evaluation and discuss options.
Example D: Frequent “3”s → 15–27: moderately severe to severe—seek prompt or urgent care depending on safety and function.

Who the PHQ-9 is for

The standard PHQ-9 Depression Screening Test is commonly used for adults in primary care. There are adapted versions for younger populations; clinicians may use adolescent modifications (e.g., PHQ-9A/PHQ-9M) with appropriate safeguards and follow-up. Always involve a guardian and clinician for minors. JAMA Network

How this page protects your privacy

The PHQ-9 Depression Screening Test on our site runs entirely in your browser.
No sign-in, no server storage, and no third-party sharing of your answers.
You can reset or close the page at any time.

Related tools to support your health

Check broader symptoms with our Symptom Checker.
Track vital signs that often correlate with mood and stress: Blood Pressure Tracker, Fever Tracker & Temperature Log.
Explore overlapping health factors: Vitamin Deficiency Calculator, Kidney Health Checker.
For overall wellness and planning: BMI Calculator, BMR Calculator, Ovulation Calendar & Fertility Tracker.
Cross-check medicines and safety: Prescription Checker, Medicine Dosage Calculator, Blood Sugar Converter.

These tools are educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

External resources

PHQ Screeners—official portal with forms and guidance. phqscreeners.com
APA/DSM materials—PHQ-9 forms and interpretation table. American Psychological Association American Psychiatric Association
Kroenke et al. (2001)—foundational validity paper for PHQ-9. PMC
UW HIV guidelines page on PHQ-9—concise scoring and Q9 note. hiv.uw.edu
Suicidal ideation risk with PHQ-9—large cohort evidence. PMC

FAQs — PHQ-9 Depression Screening Test

Medical & safety disclaimer

The PHQ-9 Depression Screening Test on this page is for educational screening only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions about your mental health. If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, contact your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department now. hiv.uw.edu

Quick links to trusted resources

Official PHQ screeners and forms (download/view): PHQ Screeners. phqscreeners.com
APA/DSM materials: PHQ-9 information and interpretation. American Psychological Association American Psychiatric Association
Evidence on Q9 & safety: Research on suicidal ideation risk captured by PHQ-9. PMC
Clinical overview for scoring: University of Washington PHQ-9 page. hiv.uw.edu

Written byView profile

Sameer Patel — Founder & Editor

Researched and written from recognised health sources

Sameer Patel is the founder and editor of My Medicine Advisor. He is not a doctor or medical professional — before starting this site he worked in banking,…

Important notice

Medical disclaimer

The content on MyMedicineAdvisor is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Health information on this website should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition without guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your doctor, physician, or another licensed healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, symptoms, medications, or treatment decisions.

PHQ-9 Depression Screening Test — Free, 2-Minute Online