Depression test (PHQ-9)

The PHQ-9 is a nine-question check that doctors and psychologists around the world use to see how much low mood has been affecting someone. It takes about 3 minutes.

9 questions
About 3 minutes
Free, no sign-up
Answers not saved

Made by Drs Robert Spitzer, Janet Williams and Kurt Kroenke (Patient Health Questionnaire, 2001). This is a screening check for adults (18+), not a diagnosis.

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

1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things

Not at all Several days More than half the days Nearly every day

2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless

Not at all Several days More than half the days Nearly every day

3. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much

Not at all Several days More than half the days Nearly every day

4. Feeling tired or having little energy

Not at all Several days More than half the days Nearly every day

5. Poor appetite or overeating

Not at all Several days More than half the days Nearly every day

6. Feeling bad about yourself, or that you are a failure, or have let yourself or your family down

Not at all Several days More than half the days Nearly every day

7. Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading or watching television

Not at all Several days More than half the days Nearly every day

8. Moving or speaking noticeably slower than usual, or the opposite, being fidgety or restless more than usual

Not at all Several days More than half the days Nearly every day

9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself in some way

Not at all Several days More than half the days Nearly every day

Your answers are not stored. They are only used to work out your result on this page.

About this test

The PHQ-9 is a nine-question check that doctors and psychologists around the world use to see how much low mood has been affecting someone. It takes about 3 minutes.

PHQ-9: Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JBW. The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. J Gen Intern Med. 2001;16(9):606-613. Developed by Drs Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke and colleagues, with an educational grant from Pfizer Inc. No permission required to reproduce, translate, display or distribute.

Questions people ask

Is this depression test free?

Yes. The test is free, takes about 3 minutes and you do not need an account. Your answers are not saved unless you are signed in and choose to save your result.

Can this test tell me if I have depression?

No. The PHQ-9 is a screening check, not a diagnosis. It shows how much low mood has affected you over the last two weeks. Only a doctor, psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose depression after talking with you.

What do the PHQ-9 scores mean?

Scores of 0 to 4 are minimal, 5 to 9 mild, 10 to 14 moderate, 15 to 19 moderately severe and 20 to 27 severe. A score of 10 or more is usually a reason to talk to a professional.

Who made the PHQ-9?

Drs Robert Spitzer, Janet Williams and Kurt Kroenke developed it, and it is used by doctors in many countries, including India. It is free for anyone to use.

What should I do if my score is high?

Talk to a psychologist, counsellor or psychiatrist. Many people feel better with therapy, and some also need medicine, which only a doctor can prescribe. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112 straight away.

Is there a depression test in Hindi?

This page is in English for now. Many providers on Mindara speak Hindi and other Indian languages, and you can choose one to talk to in your own language.

Other free self-checks

Anxiety test (GAD-7)Seven questions about worry and nervousness over the last two weeks. Quick mental health check (PHQ-4)Four questions, one minute: a quick look at mood and worry. Adult ADHD test (ASRS v1.1)Six questions about focus, organisation and restlessness over the last 6 months.

Written by the Mindara editorial team.