The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a validated 9-item screening tool for depression. Developed by Drs. Kroenke, Spitzer, and Williams, it is the most widely used depression screening instrument in primary care worldwide.

How is the PHQ-9 scored?

Each of the 9 items is scored 0-3 (not at all, several days, more than half the days, nearly every day). Total scores range from 0-27. Severity thresholds: 0-4 minimal, 5-9 mild, 10-14 moderate, 15-19 moderately severe, 20-27 severe.

Is this a diagnosis of depression?

No. The PHQ-9 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A score of 10 or higher suggests clinically significant depression and warrants further evaluation by a healthcare professional. Only a qualified clinician can diagnose major depressive disorder.

How often should I take the PHQ-9?

In clinical settings, the PHQ-9 is typically administered at initial screening and then every 2-4 weeks to monitor treatment response. For self-monitoring, monthly reassessment is reasonable. Avoid taking it more than weekly, as short-term mood fluctuations may not reflect meaningful changes.

What should I do if my score is high?

A score of 10 or higher warrants a conversation with a healthcare provider. A score of 15+ suggests active treatment (therapy, medication, or both) should be strongly considered. If you have thoughts of self-harm (question 9), please contact a crisis line or seek immediate help.

Clinical · No. 45Intermediate · 3-5 min

PHQ-9 Depression Screening
Patient Health Questionnaire

Validated 9-question screener for depression severity. Widely used in primary care and mental health.

Questionnaire

1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things

2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless

3. Trouble falling or 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 the newspaper or watching television

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

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

About the PHQ-9

The PHQ-9 is derived from the DSM criteria for major depressive disorder. It asks about the frequency of 9 symptoms over the past 2 weeks: anhedonia, depressed mood, sleep disturbance, fatigue, appetite changes, guilt/worthlessness, concentration difficulty, psychomotor changes, and suicidal ideation.

Clinical Use

The PHQ-9 is recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) for universal depression screening in adults. It has a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 88% for detecting major depression at a cutoff score of 10.

PHQ-9 Severity Thresholds

Score	Severity	Action
0-4	Minimal	Monitor
5-9	Mild	Watchful waiting
10-14	Moderate	Consider treatment
15-19	Moderately Severe	Active treatment
20-27	Severe	Immediate treatment

Medical Disclaimer

This screening tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a clinical diagnosis. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact a healthcare provider, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or go to your nearest emergency room.

About the PHQ-9

Clinical Use

PHQ-9 Severity Thresholds

Medical Disclaimer

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators