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

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

PHQ‑9 Depression Screening Test

Answer the 9 questions based on how you’ve felt over the past 2 weeks. Your score helps indicate depression symptom severity. This is not a diagnosis.

If you are thinking about harming yourself or others, or feel unsafe: contact your local emergency number immediately (e.g., 112/911/999) or go to the nearest emergency department.

  1. 1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things
  2. 2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
  3. 3. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
  4. 4. Feeling tired or having little energy
  5. 5. Poor appetite or overeating
  6. 6. Feeling bad about yourself — or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down
  7. 7. Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading or watching television
  8. 8. 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
  9. 9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or thoughts of hurting yourself
How difficult have these problems made it for you at work, at home, or with other people?
This question is not scored but is important for understanding impact.
Your result will appear below
Your responses never leave this device. No data is stored or sent.

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.eduPMC

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 LibraryAmerican 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. PubMedPMC

How to use this PHQ-9 Depression Screening Test

  1. Answer all 9 questions about how you’ve felt during the last two weeks.
  2. Optional: Choose how difficult these problems have made life or work—that context helps interpret the result.
  3. Click Get Results to see your PHQ-9 score and accompanying severity category.
  4. Read the guidance aligned to your category and consider talking to a professional if needed.
  5. 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.eduAmerican 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.eduPMC

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.eduPMC
  • Official access: The PHQ-9 questionnaire is publicly available via PHQ Screeners and professional organizations. phqscreeners.comAmerican 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. PMCSAMHSA

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.comSAMHSA

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

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

External resources

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

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