PHQ-9 Depression Test
Standard 9-Question Depression Assessment
Free PHQ-9 depression test. This validated 9-question assessment takes 3-5 minutes and measures depression severity. Get instant, confidential results.
Test Information
Before you begin
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?
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Important Notice
This self-check is for informational and educational purposes only and does not provide a diagnosis. If you reported any frequency of thoughts about death or self-harm on question 9, seek immediate help: call or text 988, or go to your nearest emergency room. If you're concerned about your mental health, consider reaching out to a qualified professional or local support services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the PHQ-9?
The PHQ-9 is a widely used, research-validated screening questionnaire. It helps you estimate symptom severity, but it is not a diagnosis.
What do the severity levels mean?
Scores are divided into five ranges: Minimal (0-4), Mild (5-9), Moderate (10-14), Moderately Severe (15-19), and Severe (20-27). Higher scores generally mean more symptoms and more disruption in daily life, and more support may be helpful.
What should I do after I get my score?
Use your score as a check-in, not a label. Review the suggestions, note which symptoms are most disruptive, and consider talking with someone you trust. If symptoms are persistent, worsening, or impacting safety, reach out to a qualified professional or local support services.
How often should I retake this?
If you want to track changes, retake it in 2-4 weeks, or sooner if your situation changes. For general self-checks, every few months is reasonable.
What if I scored high on question 9?
Any score other than 0 on question 9 requires immediate attention. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or go to your nearest emergency room if you are in immediate danger. These thoughts need support regardless of your total score.
Can I have depression with a low score?
Yes. The PHQ-9 reflects the past two weeks and focuses on a specific set of symptoms. If you feel something is off despite a low score, trust that signal and consider seeking support.
How long does it take to feel better?
Improvement can happen gradually. Many people notice progress as they build support, routines, and coping strategies. If things are not improving or are getting worse, it’s a good idea to reach out for additional help.
Is my information private?
Yes. Your answers are processed in your browser and are not sent to our servers. Your progress and results may be saved locally in your browser on this device so you can come back later. You can clear this data by using the retake option or clearing your browser storage.
Research sources
Primary research used to verify the questionnaire and its score interpretation.
The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure
Kurt Kroenke, Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B. W. Williams · Journal of General Internal Medicine (2001)
What this source supports: Original validation study for the nine-item questionnaire and its depression severity score ranges.
Related Resources
Quick 2-question screening for initial depression detection
Specialized assessment for teens ages 13-17
Immediate resources if you're experiencing a mental health crisis