The questions
What the PHQ-9 asks
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems? Each question is answered on this scale: not at all, several days, more than half the days, nearly every day.
- 1Little interest or pleasure in doing things
- 2Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
- 3Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
- 4Feeling tired or having little energy
- 5Poor appetite or overeating
- 6Feeling bad about yourself — or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down
- 7Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television
- 8Moving 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
- 9Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way
What is the PHQ-9?
The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) asks about the nine symptoms used to diagnose depression. Each answer scores from 0 ("not at all") to 3 ("nearly every day"), so the total runs from 0 to 27.
It was developed by Kroenke, Spitzer and Williams and validated in primary care. Scores of 5, 10, 15 and 20 mark mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe symptoms. An Urdu version has been validated for use in Pakistan.
A high score is a reason to talk to a professional, not a diagnosis. Only a clinician can diagnose depression, after a proper conversation.
How the score works
| Score | Result | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 | Minimal | Your answers suggest few or no symptoms of depression right now. |
| 5–9 | Mild | Some symptoms are present. Keep an eye on how you feel, and retake the test in a couple of weeks. |
| 10–14 | Moderate | Your symptoms are at a level where talking to a licensed professional is usually recommended. |
| 15–19 | Moderately severe | Your symptoms are significant. Speaking to a psychologist or psychiatrist soon is recommended. |
| 20–27 | Severe | Your symptoms are severe. Please reach out to a mental health professional as soon as you can. |
FAQ
Common questions
Is the PHQ-9 accurate?
It is one of the most widely validated depression screens. In its original study a score of 10 or more identified major depression with 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity. It is a screen, so a clinician still needs to confirm any diagnosis.
What PHQ-9 score means I should get help?
A score of 10 or more is the usual point at which talking to a professional is recommended. Any thoughts of self-harm (question 9) are a reason to reach out today, whatever your total.
Are my answers saved?
No. The test runs in your browser and your answers are never sent to us or stored.
Is there a PHQ-9 in Urdu?
Yes, an Urdu PHQ-9 has been validated for screening depression in Pakistan. We are preparing it for this page.
This test is a screening tool for general information, not a diagnosis. If you are in crisis, call Rescue 1122 or use the free helplines.