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PHQ-9 Depression Screening Tool — Self Assessment

Screen for depression severity online using the standardized Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) clinical tool.

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
Depression Severity Level
Minimal Symptoms
Your responses suggest minimal or no depressive symptoms.

What is the PHQ-9?

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a 9-question clinical instrument widely used by mental health professionals and primary care physicians to screen for, diagnose, and monitor the severity of depression.

Scoring and Clinical Interpretation

Each question evaluates the frequency of core symptoms over the past two weeks, scored from 0 (Not at all) to 3 (Nearly every day). Total scores are interpreted as follows:

  • 0–4: Minimal or no depressive symptoms.
  • 5–9: Mild depressive symptoms.
  • 10–14: Moderate depressive symptoms.
  • 15–19: Moderately severe depression.
  • 20–27: Severe depression.

The final question assesses how these symptoms affect daily functioning, such as work, home responsibilities, or relationships.

Clinical Support

This tool is for screening purposes and does not replace a clinical diagnosis. If you score in the moderate-to-severe range or indicate thoughts of self-harm, consult a licensed mental health professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

The PHQ-9 is a screening tool, not a definitive diagnosis. It indicates the likelihood and severity of depression, which must be confirmed by clinical evaluation.
If you score 10 or higher, it is recommended to speak with a physician or mental health specialist to discuss counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, or other supportive treatments.
In clinical settings, it is often administered every few weeks to monitor a patient's progress and response to treatment over time.
An
Medically Reviewed by
Dr. Anita Desai, MD (Psychiatry)
Specialty: Clinical Psychiatry & CBT
Affiliation: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMHANS)
Psychiatry Board Cert #PSY-491

Dr. Anita Desai is a cognitive behavioral therapy expert focusing on stress reduction, acute anxiety, and clinical depression care.

⚠️ Clinical Disclaimer: This tool is provided for educational and screening purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional clinical judgement, diagnosis, or treatment plans. Always discuss clinical findings with a qualified physician.

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