PHQ-9 Depression Screener
The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) is a validated, 9-item depression screener used widely in primary care. Answer honestly about the past two weeks. Your score helps you decide whether to seek professional support.
PHQ-9 Depression Screener
The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) is a validated, 9-item depression screener used widely in primary care. Answer honestly about the past two weeks. Your score helps you decide whether to seek professional support.
This is a validated screening tool, not a diagnosis. Only a qualified healthcare or mental health professional can diagnose depression, anxiety, or any condition. If your results concern you, please reach out for professional help. If you’re in distress or crisis, contact a helpline now — in the US & Canada call or text 988, in the UK call Samaritans on 116 123, in Australia call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
This tool is for general education and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not use it to make health decisions — talk to a qualified professional about your health.
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What the PHQ-9 measures
The PHQ-9 asks about the nine symptoms of depression from the DSM-5 over the past two weeks. Each item is scored 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day). The total ranges from 0 to 27.
The bands — minimal, mild, moderate, moderately severe, and severe — are the standard cutoffs from the instrument developers. Higher scores indicate more depression symptoms, not a diagnosis.
Question 9 and safety
Question 9 asks about thoughts of self-harm. If you indicated anything other than "Not at all" for question 9, please contact a crisis line or your doctor immediately, regardless of your total score. A single positive response on item 9 requires clinical follow-up.
If you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number now.
What to do with your result
If your score is 10 or higher, the PHQ-9 guideline suggests you should be assessed for depression by a healthcare professional. A score of 15 or higher suggests you should seek treatment.
Bring your results to your doctor or a mental health professional. They will interpret them in the context of your full health history, not as a standalone diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Can the PHQ-9 diagnose depression?
No. The PHQ-9 is a screening tool — it helps identify whether depression symptoms are present and how severe they appear. Only a qualified healthcare or mental health professional can diagnose depression, using a clinical interview and your full history.
What does a score of 10 mean?
A score of 10 or above is the standard cutoff for "major depression" screening on the PHQ-9. It means you should talk to your doctor or a mental health professional for a proper assessment. It does not mean you definitely have depression.
What if I scored positive on question 9 (self-harm)?
If you indicated anything other than "Not at all" for question 9, please seek help immediately — contact a crisis line (988 in the US/Canada, 116 123 in the UK, 13 11 14 in Australia) or your doctor. Do not wait. A single positive response on item 9 requires clinical attention.
How often should I take the PHQ-9?
The PHQ-9 measures symptoms over the past two weeks. If you are being monitored by a healthcare professional, they will advise on frequency. If you are self-monitoring, retake it every 2-4 weeks and track the trend — not every day.
Sources & references
Not medical advice. This result is an educational estimate from HealthyLifeStyles (Trusted Wellness), based on population formulas — not a diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your health.
https://www.healthylifesstyles.com/tools/phq-9-depression-screener