Depression Test (PHQ-9)
9-item depression screener, takes 2 minutes
Been feeling down, tired, or losing interest in things? The PHQ-9 measures depression severity over the past 2 weeks. 9 items, about 3 minutes.
What is depression?
Depression (major depressive disorder) isn't just "feeling sad." Its core features are persistent low mood plus loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy — lasting two weeks or more and affecting work, relationships, and daily functioning.
What does the PHQ-9 measure?
The PHQ-9's 9 items map directly onto the 9 diagnostic criteria for depression. That's why clinicians like it — it takes 2-3 minutes but covers the full picture. Each item asks how often you've experienced a specific symptom over the past two weeks.
Psychometric data:
- Internal consistency: alpha = 0.89
- Test-retest reliability: r = 0.84
How scoring works
Each item is scored based on symptom frequency over the past two weeks:
- 0 = Not at all
- 1 = Several days
- 2 = More than half the days
- 3 = Nearly every day
Score interpretation
- 0-4: Minimal depression
- 5-9: Mild depression
- 10-14: Moderate depression
- 15-19: Moderately severe depression
- 20-27: Severe depression
This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. If your score concerns you, please speak with a healthcare professional.
Result Interpretation
After completing the 9 questions, you'll receive an immediate, detailed report with:
- Your score — calculated automatically based on your responses
- Score interpretation — what your score means in practical terms
- Context — how your results compare to general population norms where available
All results are displayed on screen. No account or login needed.