cv.cm

Free · 9 questions · about 1 min · no sign-up

Depression test (PHQ-9)

The PHQ-9 is the 9-question depression screening used by doctors worldwide. It takes about two minutes and scores from 0 to 27.

Your answers are scored in this tab. Nothing is uploaded, saved, or sent anywhere. This is a self-check, not a diagnosis. Only a qualified professional can diagnose a mental health condition.

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by each of the following?

  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 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

0 of 9 answered

About this test

The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was developed by Kroenke, Spitzer and Williams and is free to use. Scores of 5, 10, 15 and 20 mark mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe depression symptoms.

A score of 10 or more is a reason to see a doctor or mental health professional. If you have any thoughts of hurting yourself, reach out for help now, whatever your total score.

More tests

All tests

FAQ

What does my PHQ-9 score mean?

0–4 minimal, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe and 20–27 severe depression symptoms.

Can the PHQ-9 diagnose depression?

No. It is a screening tool. A doctor or mental health professional makes a diagnosis after a full assessment.

Why does question 9 matter so much?

It asks about thoughts of death or self-harm. Any answer other than "not at all" deserves a conversation with a professional, even if the total score is low.

Is depression treatable?

Yes. Therapy, medication, exercise and social support all help, and most people improve with treatment.