PHQ-9 depression self-check
Nine short questions about how you have felt over the last two weeks. It takes about 2 minutes and the result appears only on your screen.
Your answers are scored only in this browser. Nothing is sent or stored, and everything is cleared when you close the page.
This short self-check is not a diagnosis and does not replace a conversation with a professional. The result only gives a rough idea of how strong your symptoms have been over the last two weeks.
How to answer
For each statement, think about the last 2 weeks and choose the option closest to your experience. There are no right or wrong answers.
Minimal symptoms (0 to 4)
Your answers suggest no notable depressive symptoms over the last two weeks. If you still do not feel well, you do not need a high score to talk about it.
Mild symptoms (5 to 9)
Some symptoms are present. Keeping an eye on how you feel over the next few weeks and looking after sleep, movement and social contact can help. If symptoms continue, consider talking to a professional.
Moderate symptoms (10 to 14)
Your symptoms may be affecting daily life. Talking with a mental health professional to look at what is going on is a good next step.
Moderately severe symptoms (15 to 19)
Your symptoms look significant. I recommend speaking with a mental health professional soon; a psychiatric assessment may also be part of the process.
Severe symptoms (20 to 27)
Your symptoms look intense. Please contact a psychiatrist or your family doctor as soon as possible. If you do not feel safe, call the emergency numbers below.
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, you are not alone and help is available right now. In Turkey call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department. Elsewhere, call your local emergency number: 112 in most EU countries and Switzerland, 999 or 112 in the UK, 911 in the US and Canada (crisis line 988), 000 in Australia, 999 in the UAE and Qatar. Letting someone you trust know how you feel right now is also a good step.
This short self-check is not a diagnosis and does not replace a conversation with a professional. The result only gives a rough idea of how strong your symptoms have been over the last two weeks.
Score ranges
| Score | Level |
|---|---|
| 0 to 4 | Minimal symptoms |
| 5 to 9 | Mild symptoms |
| 10 to 14 | Moderate symptoms |
| 15 to 19 | Moderately severe symptoms |
| 20 to 27 | Severe symptoms |
If you are not safe right now
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, you are not alone and help is available right now. In Turkey call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department. Elsewhere, call your local emergency number: 112 in most EU countries and Switzerland, 999 or 112 in the UK, 911 in the US and Canada (crisis line 988), 000 in Australia, 999 in the UAE and Qatar. Letting someone you trust know how you feel right now is also a good step.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PHQ-9?
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a 9 item scale developed by Kroenke, Spitzer and Williams that asks how often depressive symptoms occurred over the last two weeks. It is widely used in primary care.
My score is high. Do I have depression?
Not necessarily. This self-check cannot diagnose anything. A high score means your symptoms are worth discussing with a professional; a diagnosis needs a full clinical assessment.
Are my answers saved?
No. Scoring happens entirely in your browser; nothing is sent to a server or stored.
Sources
- 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.
- PHQ and GAD-7 screeners were developed with an educational grant from Pfizer Inc.; no permission is required to reproduce, translate, display or distribute them (phqscreeners.com).
Other self-checks
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Get in touch with any questions or to book a session. You will usually hear back on the same day.