Your result
A made-up example that shows what you get after the test. Take the test to get your own result.
Moderate symptoms
Depression symptoms have bothered you quite a lot over the past two weeks. A score of 10 or more is the point where it is recommended to talk to your doctor or a psychologist about how you are doing.
10 or more is the usual point for a closer look by a doctor or psychologist.
You answered that you have had thoughts of being better off dead or of hurting yourself
Thoughts like these are more common than many people think, and they can be talked about. Please tell someone you trust, or contact a helpline today: in the US and Canada call or text 988, in the UK and Ireland call Samaritans on 116 123, and in other countries you can find one at findahelpline.com. If you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number.
This box is shown when question 9 is answered with anything other than “Not at all”.
The PHQ-9 is a screener, not a diagnosis. A high score can also be linked to stress, grief, lack of sleep, physical illness or other conditions. Only a health professional can assess whether you have depression.
Your symptom profile
How often each of the nine symptoms bothered you. Highlighted items were present more than half the days: those are the ones that count when a clinician applies the diagnostic criteria.
- Interest or pleasureCore symptomLittle interest or pleasure in doing things2More than half the days
- MoodCore symptomFeeling down, depressed, or hopeless2More than half the days
- SleepTrouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much0Not at all
- EnergyFeeling tired or having little energy0Not at all
- AppetitePoor appetite or overeating1Several days
- Self-worthFeeling bad about yourself — or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down1Several days
- ConcentrationTrouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television2More than half the days
- Restlessness or slowingMoving 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 usual2More than half the days
- Thoughts of death or self-harmThoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way0Not at all
4 of 9 symptoms were present more than half the days. At least one of the two core symptoms (interest, mood) is among them.
For a diagnosis of major depression a clinician looks for five or more symptoms including a core symptom, lasting at least two weeks, together with impairment, and after ruling out other causes. The count here is only what you reported.
Good to know
- A score of 10 or more identified major depression with about 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity in the original validation study of 6,000 patients.
- About one in twenty adults worldwide has depression at any given time, according to the WHO. It is one of the most common health conditions there is.
- The nine questions mirror the nine diagnostic criteria for major depression, which is why the PHQ-9 is used both for screening and for following treatment.
What helps
Depression is treatable. Psychological treatment and medication both work, and some everyday things help as well:
- MovementRegular physical activity, even daily walks, has a measurable effect on mood.
- Daylight and routineGet up at the same time, get outside in daylight, and keep meals regular. Sleep and mood follow routine.
- PeopleKeep contact with others even when you do not feel like it. Isolation feeds low mood.
- Less alcoholAlcohol worsens sleep and mood the next day, and makes treatment work less well.
- Professional helpYour doctor can refer you to talking therapy or discuss medication. Both work, and together they work best for moderate and severe depression.
What you can do next
If low mood affects your work, studies, sleep or relationships, or you have been bothered for more than two weeks, talk to your doctor. You are welcome to bring this result. Anxiety and depression often go together, so the anxiety test (GAD-7) on this site can be a useful next step. If you need to talk to someone now, contact a local helpline, and in an emergency call your local emergency number.
Take it again in two weeks
The PHQ-9 is made for tracking change, and clinicians repeat it every two weeks. Add a reminder to your calendar. The file is made in your browser, and nothing is stored by us.