Depression Assessment (PHQ-9)
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)
Professional depression screening tool to detect mental health issues early
Depression Assessment (PHQ-9)
Patient Health Questionnaire (Answered 0/9)
Little interest or pleasure in doing things
Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
Feeling tired or having little energy
Poor appetite or overeating
Feeling bad about yourself - or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down
Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television
Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed? Or the opposite - being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual
Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way
Please answer all questions
History
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About PHQ-9 Scale
The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a widely used depression screening tool developed by Kroenke et al. in 2001. Based on DSM-IV depression diagnostic criteria, it has good reliability and validity and is widely used in clinical and research settings.
- Important Notice:This test is for self-assessment and reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If your depressive symptoms persist or seriously affect your life, please consult a mental health professional or seek medical attention promptly. If you have suicidal thoughts, please call a mental health crisis hotline immediately or go to the emergency room.
Talk through your results with AI
Want to go deeper than a score? Copy the prompt below into ChatGPT, Claude or another AI assistant to reflect on your results, ask follow-up questions and get practical next steps. AI can be a helpful thinking partner for self-reflection — but it is not a therapist. Please read the note below.
I just completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), a self-assessment questionnaire. I'd like to reflect on what my results might mean. Please act as a supportive, evidence-based wellbeing coach: first ask me 2–3 clarifying questions, then explain in plain language what my results could indicate, and suggest small, realistic steps I could try over the next two weeks. Be honest about the limits of a self-test, and tell me when it would be wise to talk to a qualified professional.
AI assistants can make mistakes and are not a substitute for professional diagnosis or care. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline right away.
About this tool
What is Depression Assessment (PHQ-9)?
A clinically common 9-item depression screening questionnaire.
What is it for?
Catch signs of depression early.
How to read your result
0–4 none / 5–9 mild / 10–14 moderate / 15–19 moderately severe / 20–27 severe.
This is a screening tool, not a medical diagnosis. If you are struggling, please consult a qualified physician. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, seek immediate help from local emergency services or a crisis hotline.
Classification & Reference
| Score | Depression level |
|---|---|
| 0–4 | Minimal |
| 5–9 | Mild |
| 10–14 | Moderate |
| 15–19 | Moderately severe |
| 20–27 | Severe |
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal PHQ-9 score?
Scores run from 0 to 27. 0–4 suggests minimal or no depression, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, and 20–27 severe. A score of 10 or more usually warrants further evaluation.
What does a PHQ-9 score of 15 mean?
A 15 falls in the 'moderately severe' range and generally indicates depression that should be discussed with a healthcare professional about treatment options.
Does the PHQ-9 diagnose depression?
No. It is a validated screening tool for depression severity, not a diagnosis. A clinician confirms a diagnosis with a fuller assessment.
What does PHQ-9 question 9 about self-harm mean?
Question 9 asks about thoughts of being better off dead or hurting yourself. Any answer above 'not at all' should be taken seriously. If this applies to you, reach out to a professional now, or contact local emergency services or a crisis hotline.
What should I do after a high PHQ-9 score?
If you score 10 or higher, or symptoms affect your daily life, talk to a doctor or mental health professional about next steps. You don't have to manage it alone.
How is the PHQ-9 scored?
Each of the 9 items is rated 0–3 (0 = not at all, 3 = nearly every day), so the total ranges from 0 to 27. Add the items together, then read the band: 0–4 minimal, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, 20–27 severe. A total of 10 or more usually warrants further evaluation.
Can I use ChatGPT or Claude to understand my results?
Yes. AI assistants like ChatGPT and Claude can be a useful way to reflect on what your results mean and explore next steps, and this tool gives you a ready-made prompt plus a one-click link to start that conversation. Keep in mind that AI is not a licensed professional and cannot diagnose you — for a formal assessment, or if you are struggling, please consult a qualified health professional.