The PHQ-9 is a validated, public-domain screening questionnaire for depression symptoms, developed by Spitzer, Kroenke, and Williams. It is a screening aid, not a diagnosis — only a qualified clinician can diagnose depression.
If you are currently thinking about harming yourself or suicide, please stop and get help right now: call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, US) or go to your nearest emergency room. You do not need to finish this questionnaire first.
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
About this tool: the PHQ-9 is a validated, public-domain depression screening questionnaire developed by Kroenke, Spitzer and Williams. It screens for symptoms and does not diagnose depression. If you answered anything other than "not at all" to the question about thoughts of self-harm, please talk to someone today: call or text 988 in the U.S., or your local emergency number. See our medical disclaimer.
What your PHQ-9 score means
| Score | Symptom severity | What clinicians commonly suggest |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 4 | Minimal | Usually no treatment needed |
| 5 to 9 | Mild | Watchful waiting, self-care, repeat the PHQ-9 at follow-up |
| 10 to 14 | Moderate | A treatment plan, such as therapy, medication or both |
| 15 to 19 | Moderately severe | Active treatment with medication and/or psychotherapy |
| 20 to 27 | Severe | Prompt treatment, usually medication plus therapy, with specialist input if needed |
In the original 2001 validation study, a score of 10 or more identified major depression with 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity. Because it is a screen, a high score means "get properly assessed," not "you have depression."
What the nine questions cover
Each question matches one of the nine symptoms used to diagnose major depressive disorder in the DSM-5: loss of interest or pleasure, low mood, sleep changes, tiredness, appetite changes, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, trouble concentrating, slowed movement or restlessness, and thoughts of death or self-harm. The first two questions on their own form the PHQ-2, often used as a quick first screen. The last question is always followed up by a clinician, whatever the total score.
Who should be screened
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends depression screening for all adults, including during pregnancy and after childbirth, and for adolescents aged 12 to 18. The PHQ-9 is the most widely used tool for this in primary care.
Things that can raise your score
- A recent loss, major stress or poor sleep can push scores up temporarily.
- Physical conditions such as hypothyroidism, anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, sleep apnea and chronic pain can cause tiredness, poor sleep and low mood.
- Some medicines and alcohol use can contribute to depressive symptoms.
- Periods of very high energy, little need for sleep or racing thoughts alongside depression can suggest bipolar disorder, which is treated differently. Mention these to your clinician.
Treatment works
Depression is common and treatable. Psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy, works well for mild to moderate depression. Antidepressants such as SSRIs (sertraline, escitalopram, fluoxetine), SNRIs (duloxetine, venlafaxine) and bupropion are effective, particularly for moderate to severe depression, and the combination of therapy and medication tends to work best for severe symptoms. Most antidepressants take two to six weeks to show their full effect. Exercise, regular sleep and social connection support recovery alongside treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
What PHQ-9 score indicates depression?
A score of 10 or higher is the standard cutoff for possible major depression and a reason for a full evaluation. Only a clinician can make the diagnosis.
How accurate is the PHQ-9?
At a cutoff of 10, the original study found it correctly identified 88% of people with major depression and correctly ruled it out in 88% of people without it. Accuracy varies somewhat between populations.
How is the PHQ-9 used to track treatment?
Clinicians often repeat it every few weeks. A drop of 50% or more from the starting score is commonly treated as a response, and a score below 5 as remission.
Are my answers saved?
No. Your score is calculated in your browser and is not sent to or stored by Health Linear.
Sources
- Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JBW. The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2001. PubMed
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Depression and suicide risk in adults: screening
- National Institute of Mental Health. Depression
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
About this article
Written by the Health Linear Editorial Team from primary sources such as FDA prescribing information, DailyMed, NIH and peer-reviewed studies, which are linked in the article. Last updated October 27, 2026.
Read our editorial process and medical disclaimer. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.