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PHQ-9 Depression Screen

Validated 9-question depression screen.

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

1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things

2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless

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

4. Feeling tired or having little energy

5. Poor appetite or overeating

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

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

8. Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed; or being so fidgety/restless that you've been moving around a lot more than usual

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

What would you like to do next?

Take the next step with your result.

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About this tool

The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is the most widely used depression screening and severity tool in primary care worldwide. It's a 9-item, self-report questionnaire that maps directly to the DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder.

This screen is not a diagnosis — only a clinician can diagnose depression. But the PHQ-9 score is a reliable starting point for that conversation and is used to track response to treatment over time.

Source: Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JBW. The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. J Gen Intern Med. 2001.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a diagnosis?

No. PHQ-9 is a validated screening and severity tool. A clinician interview is needed to confirm clinical depression.

What does Q9 about self-harm mean?

Question 9 asks about thoughts of being better off dead or hurting yourself. Any positive answer is taken seriously — please reach out to a clinician or crisis line today.

How often should I re-take it?

Every 2–4 weeks if you are in active treatment, or whenever your mood changes meaningfully.

⚕️ Educational only — not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In an emergency call your local emergency services.