PHQ-9

Depression Test

A clinically validated screening tool for depression. Answer based on how often you have been bothered by each problem over the last 2 weeks.

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9 questions 3 min Private result

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About the PHQ-9

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What it checks

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is one of the most widely used and validated tools for screening, diagnosing, monitoring, and measuring the severity of depression. It is based on the nine diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder from the DSM-5.

The PHQ-9 is used by healthcare providers worldwide and has been validated in numerous clinical studies across diverse populations. It is freely available in the public domain.

Scoring

0–4 Minimal
5–9 Mild
10–14 Moderate
15–19 Moderately Severe
20–27 Severe

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PHQ-9?

The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a clinically validated 9-item self-report tool used worldwide to screen for depression and measure its severity.

Is the PHQ-9 depression test accurate?

Yes. The PHQ-9 has been validated in hundreds of studies and has a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 88% for detecting major depressive disorder at the standard cutoff of 10.

How long does the PHQ-9 take?

The PHQ-9 takes 2–3 minutes to complete. It consists of 9 questions about how you have felt over the past 2 weeks.

Can this test diagnose depression?

No. The PHQ-9 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. Only a qualified healthcare provider can diagnose depression. A high score suggests you should seek professional evaluation.

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