PHQ-9 Test
PHQ-9 Test

Disclaimer: This PHQ-9 screening tool is for educational purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact a healthcare professional or a local emergency service immediately. Use of this site does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9)

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FAQ'S

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The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a 9-question tool used by doctors and mental health professionals to screen for depression. It helps measure the severity of depressive symptoms and monitors how a patient is responding to treatment over time. It is based on the diagnostic criteria for depressive disorders found in the DSM-5.

PHQ-9 scores range from 0 to 27. Generally, a score of 0–4 indicates minimal symptoms, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, and 20–27 severe depression. Any score of 10 or higher is typically the threshold where a healthcare professional may recommend a formal clinical evaluation or treatment plan.

No. While the PHQ-9 is a clinically validated screening tool, it cannot provide a formal diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder. A diagnosis can only be made by a licensed professional (such as a doctor or therapist) after a comprehensive clinical interview and physical examination to rule out other causes.

If you are monitoring your mental health or the effectiveness of a new treatment, many professionals suggest taking the test every 2 to 4 weeks. Tracking your scores over time can help you and your doctor see patterns in your symptoms and determine if your current care plan is working.

On phq9.app, your privacy is our priority. Our tool is designed to be completely anonymous. We do not store your individual answers or your final score on our servers. The results are generated locally in your browser so you can print them or discuss them with your provider privately.

If you receive a high score (especially above 15) or if you indicated any thoughts of self-harm in Question 9, you should contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible. You can bring a printout of your results to your appointment to help start the conversation. If you are in immediate crisis, please call or text 988 (in the US/Canada) or your local emergency services.

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PHQ-9 Test

Understanding the PHQ-9 Depression Test

The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a clinically validated depression screening tool used by healthcare professionals worldwide to assess depression severity. This quick, 9-question self-assessment helps identify symptoms of major depressive disorder and monitor treatment progress.

What is the PHQ-9 Test?

The PHQ-9 depression questionnaire evaluates how often you've experienced common depression symptoms over the past two weeks. Each question corresponds to DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, making it a reliable mental health screening tool for both clinical settings and personal assessment.

How the Depression Screening Works

This evidence-based assessment asks about:

  1. Low mood and loss of interest in activities
  2. Sleep disturbances and energy levels
  3. Concentration difficulties and appetite changes
  4. Feelings of worthlessness or thoughts of self-harm

Scores range from 0-27, with categories indicating minimal, mild, moderate, moderately severe, or severe depression. Taking the PHQ-9 online provides immediate results and guidance on next steps.

Why Use a Depression Self-Assessment?

The PHQ-9 mental health screening offers a standardized way to recognize depression symptoms early. Whether you're monitoring your mental wellness or seeking professional help, this validated tool provides objective insights into your emotional health. Results can help facilitate meaningful conversations with healthcare providers about treatment options.

Take the free PHQ-9 test today to better understand your mental health and access the support you deserve.

Medical Disclaimer: The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) tool provided on this website is intended for informational a nd educational purposes only. It is not a clinical diagnosis and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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