PHQ-9 Depression Test
Patient Health Questionnaire 9-Item
The PHQ-9 is the gold standard for depression screening. This test evaluates your mood and emotional state over the past two weeks, helping you understand your current mental health status.
About This Test
Source: 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.
About This Test
The Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item (PHQ-9) is the most widely used depression screening instrument in primary care settings worldwide. Developed by Kroenke, Spitzer, and Williams in 2001, this self-report tool has become the gold standard for identifying individuals who may be experiencing depressive symptoms.
**How It Works:**
The PHQ-9 consists of 9 questions based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) criteria for major depressive disorder. Each question asks about symptoms experienced over the past two weeks, scored on a 4-point scale (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.
**Scoring Interpretation:**
- 0-4: Minimal or no depressive symptoms
- 5-9: Mild depression
- 10-14: Moderate depression
- 15-19: Moderately severe depression
- 20-27: Severe depression
**Research Validation:**
The PHQ-9 has been extensively validated in numerous studies. In the original validation study (Kroenke et al., 2001), the PHQ-9 demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89) and good construct validity. It has sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 88% for detecting major depressive disorder.
**Real-Life Application:**
Millions of individuals have taken the PHQ-9 since its development. It is used in clinics, hospitals, and mental health practices around the world. Many people also use it for self-assessment to better understand their emotional state and decide if professional help might be beneficial.
**Important Note:**
This self-assessment tool is for personal emotional reference only. It does not constitute medical diagnosis or professional treatment advice. Please consult a licensed mental health professional for clinical evaluation.
**Related Resources:**
If you are experiencing depressive symptoms, consider also taking our [GAD-7 Anxiety Test](/test/gad-7-anxiety-test) as anxiety often accompanies depression. Our [Understanding Depression](/article/mild-moderate-severe-depression) article provides more information about this condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
The PHQ-9 is a 9-item self-report questionnaire designed to screen for major depressive disorder. It covers all DSM-IV criteria for depression including mood, sleep, energy, appetite, concentration, and suicidal thoughts.
The PHQ-9 typically takes 2-3 minutes to complete. Each question asks about symptoms experienced over the past two weeks.
Yes, all responses are processed locally in your browser and never stored on our servers. Your privacy is completely protected.
Your total score (0-27) indicates depressive symptom severity: 0-4 = minimal, 5-9 = mild, 10-14 = moderate, 15-19 = moderately severe, 20-27 = severe.
The PHQ-9 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. While it can identify individuals who may have depression, a formal diagnosis requires evaluation by a mental health professional.
If you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please reach out to a mental health professional or a crisis hotline immediately. In the US, you can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Yes, many people use the PHQ-9 to track their mood over time and monitor progress with treatment.
The PHQ-9 is validated for adults. For adolescents, the PHQ-A (Adolescent version) is more appropriate. For individuals with cognitive impairments, administration may need modification.
Consider reaching out to a licensed mental health professional for further evaluation. Many effective treatments are available including therapy and medication.
The PHQ-9 is a scientifically validated tool with excellent reliability and validity. However, it is not perfect and may miss some cases of depression or over-identify others.