PHQ-9 depression screener
See what the PHQ-9 measures, how it is scored against established cut-off bands, and what each band means.
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a short, public-domain depression screening questionnaire. It asks how often, over the last two weeks, a person has been bothered by nine common symptoms of depression. First published by Kroenke, Spitzer and Williams in 2001, it is one of the most widely used depression measures in the world and takes about two to three minutes to answer.
The model
What it measures
The PHQ-9 measures one thing: the severity of recent depression symptoms. Its nine items map directly onto the nine criterion symptoms used to define a major depressive episode, so the questionnaire is essentially a structured, self-rated checklist of how strongly those symptoms have been present over the past two weeks.
The areas below are the symptom domains the nine items cover - mood, loss of interest, sleep, energy and so on. They are not separately scored subscales; the PHQ-9 produces a single total. A higher total means more symptoms, more often.
- DDepression severity
How strongly and how often common depression symptoms have shown up over the last two weeks.
Facets: Low mood, Loss of interest (anhedonia), Sleep changes, Low energy, Appetite changes, Self-worth and guilt, Concentration, Restlessness or slowing.
The evidence
Science and validity
The PHQ-9 is one of the most thoroughly validated screening tools in primary care. Internal consistency is strong - Cronbach's alpha is typically around .86 to .89 - and test-retest reliability is high. Against structured diagnostic interviews, the standard cut-off of 10 or above gives roughly 88 percent sensitivity and 88 percent specificity for major depression. It generally loads on a single dominant depression factor and is well established as a measure of change for tracking symptoms over time.
Each of the nine items is rated 0 (not at all), 1 (several days), 2 (more than half the days) or 3 (nearly every day), for a total from 0 to 27. There are no population percentiles; the total is read against fixed severity bands, with 10 and above being the usual threshold for probable depression. One item asks about thoughts of being better off dead or of self-harm - a positive response always warrants follow-up with a qualified professional regardless of the total.
How it is scored
Score bands and what they mean
This is a screening questionnaire. The total is read against established cut-off bands, not a population percentile and not a diagnosis - the bands flag how strongly recent symptoms are showing up, and where it may help to talk to someone.
- 0-4MinimalFew or no depression symptoms reported over the past two weeks.
- 5-9MildSome symptoms present; usually watchful waiting and a check-in later.
- 10-14ModerateAt or above the usual screening threshold; talking to a professional may help.
- 15-19Moderately severeSymptoms are notable and frequent; professional support is generally advised.
- 20-27SevereStrong, frequent symptoms; prompt support from a qualified professional is advised.
How it works
What the questions feel like
Illustrative statements showing the style of the items. These are examples, not the official scored items.
Over the last two weeks, how often have you felt little interest or pleasure in doing things?
Illustrative example in the style of the screener, not the official scored item.
Over the last two weeks, how often have you felt down, low or without hope?
Illustrative example, not the official scored item.
Over the last two weeks, how often have you had trouble with sleep - too little or too much?
Illustrative example, not the official scored item.
Over the last two weeks, how often have you felt tired or low on energy?
Illustrative example, not the official scored item.
Honest strengths and limitations
Strengths
- One of the most widely used and best-validated depression screeners in the world, in 80+ languages.
- Very short (about three minutes), fully public domain and free to use.
- Clear, established cut-off bands that make a total easy to interpret and to track over time.
Limitations
- It is a screening questionnaire, not a diagnosis - a high score signals that a fuller conversation with a professional may help, not that a condition is present.
- Like all self-reports it reflects how someone feels right now and can be shaped by mood, recent events and how the questions are read.
- It covers depression symptoms only; anxiety, stress and other concerns need their own measures.
Checking in on how you are doing?
Screeners like this are informational, not a diagnosis. The free Snapshot is a private, structured way to check in on how you have been feeling lately.
Frequently asked questions
What does the PHQ-9 measure?
It measures the severity of recent depression symptoms with nine short items covering mood, interest, sleep, energy, appetite, self-worth, concentration and related areas over the last two weeks. It produces a single total from 0 to 27.
How is the PHQ-9 scored?
Each item is rated from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day) and the nine items are summed for a total of 0 to 27. The total is read against fixed severity bands rather than a percentile: 0-4 minimal, 5-9 mild, 10-14 moderate, 15-19 moderately severe and 20-27 severe. A total of 10 or above is the usual screening threshold.
Is the PHQ-9 a diagnosis?
No. The PHQ-9 is a screening questionnaire, not a diagnosis. A higher score means it may help to speak with a qualified professional, who can look at the full picture. If you are struggling or in crisis, contact a qualified professional or a local crisis or helpline service.
Can I take the PHQ-9 on Psychology.me?
This page is informational - we do not publicly offer the PHQ-9 itself. If you would like a private, structured way to check in on how you have been feeling, the free wellbeing Snapshot is a gentle place to start.
Related tests
- Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., & Williams, J. B. W. (2001). The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(9), 606-613.
- Kroenke, K. (2021). PHQ-9: global uptake of a depression scale. World Psychiatry, 20(1), 135-136.
The PHQ-9 was developed by Drs Robert L. Spitzer, Kurt Kroenke and Janet B. W. Williams (Pfizer Inc.) and is freely available in the public domain; this independent informational page describes the instrument and does not reproduce its scored items.