PHQ-9 Depression Screening Test
The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a clinically validated, 9-question screening tool that healthcare providers around the world use to measure the severity of depression symptoms. It maps directly onto the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder.
This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. A high score does not mean you definitely have depression, and a low score does not rule it out. Only a licensed clinician can diagnose depression after a full evaluation — but this screen is an excellent, evidence-based first step.
Your answers are scored privately in your browser. Nothing you enter is stored, transmitted, or shared.
Private — scored in your browser, never stored or sent.
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
1.Little interest or pleasure in doing things
2.Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
3.Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
4.Feeling tired or having little energy
5.Poor appetite or overeating
6.Feeling bad about yourself — or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down
7.Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television
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.Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself in some way
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
About this tool: The PHQ-9 is a public-domain instrument developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke and colleagues, with an educational grant from Pfizer Inc. Reference: Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JBW. The PHQ-9. J Gen Intern Med. 2001.
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