Depression Screening Quiz (PHQ-9)
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is the most widely used, clinically validated depression screening tool in the world. Developed by Drs. Robert Spitzer, Janet Williams, and Kurt Kroenke, it has been validated in over 8,000 studies across 80+ countries and is used by the WHO, NHS, APA, Mayo Clinic, and CDC as a primary screening instrument.
Depression Screening Quiz (PHQ-9)
The PHQ-9 is the gold-standard depression screening tool used by doctors worldwide. Takes 2 minutes. Based on 20+ years of clinical research.
⚕ This is a screening tool, not a clinical diagnosis. If you are in crisis, please contact a mental health professional or a crisis line immediately.
Based on: Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB. The PHQ-9. J Gen Intern Med. 2001 · WHO Mental Health — Depression fact sheet, 2023 · American Psychiatric Association, DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria
⚕ This is a screening tool, not a clinical diagnosis. If you are in crisis, please contact a mental health professional or a crisis line immediately.
Unlike general mood quizzes, the PHQ-9 directly maps to the nine diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) from the DSM-5. Each question corresponds to a core symptom that clinicians evaluate in every depression assessment. This makes it uniquely accurate: your score is not a personality assessment — it is a standardized clinical measurement.
Scores range from 0 to 27. A score of 10 or higher has 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity for Major Depressive Disorder (Kroenke et al., JGIM 2001). This means it correctly identifies the condition in nearly 9 out of 10 people — the same accuracy as blood pressure measurement for hypertension.
What is this?
Depression is one of the most common medical conditions in the world, affecting approximately 280 million people globally (WHO, 2023). It is not sadness — it is a neurobiological disorder characterized by persistent changes in mood, cognition, sleep, appetite, energy, and motivation that last at least two weeks and impair daily functioning.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is diagnosed when five or more of the nine PHQ-9 symptoms are present nearly every day for at least two weeks, with at least one symptom being depressed mood or anhedonia (loss of interest). Depression has a clear neurobiological basis: it involves dysregulation of serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, and the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) stress axis.
Depression is highly treatable. Approximately 80–90% of people with depression respond positively to treatment — typically psychotherapy, medication, or a combination. The most common reason treatment fails is not starting it.
Understanding your score in context:
**Score 0–4 (Minimal):** This range reflects normal mood variation. Most people experience occasional low mood, tiredness, or sleep changes — this does not indicate depression. Focus on maintenance: consistent sleep, regular movement, and social connection are the most research-backed protective factors.
**Score 5–9 (Mild):** Symptoms are present but not yet at diagnostic threshold. This is the most actionable range — mild depression responds well to behavioral interventions (exercise, sleep hygiene, structured social activity) and brief psychological therapy (CBT). Left unaddressed, mild depression progresses to moderate or severe in approximately 30% of cases.
**Score 10–14 (Moderate):** Symptoms are meeting or approaching clinical diagnostic criteria and are likely affecting daily functioning. This range has the strongest evidence base for combined treatment (therapy + lifestyle) and sometimes medication. A physician or mental health professional should evaluate you.
**Score 15–19 (Moderately Severe):** Significant daily impairment is present. This range strongly indicates the need for professional treatment — typically a combination of psychotherapy (CBT, IPT) and antidepressant medication. Response rates at this level are approximately 60–70% with treatment.
**Score 20–27 (Severe):** Severe depression is a medical emergency in the same way a diabetic crisis is a medical emergency. Immediate professional care is required. If you are having thoughts of self-harm, please contact emergency services or a crisis line now.
You should contact a healthcare provider if:
• Your PHQ-9 score is 10 or higher • Your score is 5–9 and has been consistent for more than 4 weeks • You answered anything above 0 on Question 9 (thoughts of self-harm) • Your mood is significantly affecting your work, relationships, or daily functioning • You have tried self-help strategies for 4+ weeks without improvement
You should contact emergency services or a crisis line immediately if: • You are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm • You feel unable to keep yourself safe • A loved one is in immediate danger
Crisis resources: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US, call or text), Samaritans 116 123 (UK/IE), Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741 (US/CA/UK).
Scientific Sources
- •Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB. The PHQ-9. J Gen Intern Med. 2001
- •WHO Mental Health — Depression fact sheet, 2023
- •American Psychiatric Association, DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PHQ-9 and who developed it?
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) was developed by Drs. Robert Spitzer, Janet Williams, and Kurt Kroenke at Columbia University, funded by Pfizer Inc. It was first published in 2001 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine (PMID: 11556941). It is in the public domain — meaning any doctor, researcher, or platform can use it freely. It is now the most widely adopted depression screening tool globally, used in primary care, psychiatry, research, and digital health.
What do PHQ-9 scores mean?
PHQ-9 scores range from 0 to 27. The clinical thresholds are: 0–4 (minimal or no depression), 5–9 (mild depression), 10–14 (moderate depression), 15–19 (moderately severe depression), and 20–27 (severe depression). A score of 10 or higher is the standard clinical cutoff for diagnosing Major Depressive Disorder, with 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity.
Is this quiz a medical diagnosis?
No. The PHQ-9 is a screening tool — it identifies who is likely to have depression and should see a professional. It is not a substitute for a clinical interview, physical exam, or formal diagnosis. Only a licensed healthcare provider (doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist) can diagnose Major Depressive Disorder. However, a PHQ-9 score of 10+ is taken seriously by every major medical institution and is sufficient justification to seek an evaluation.
How accurate is the PHQ-9?
The PHQ-9 has been validated in hundreds of studies. Its accuracy metrics are: sensitivity 88%, specificity 88%, positive predictive value 71–85%, negative predictive value 95% (Kroenke, Spitzer & Williams, JGIM 2001). For comparison, a mammogram has approximately 87% sensitivity. The PHQ-9 is one of the most rigorously validated tools in all of mental health screening.
How often should I retake the PHQ-9?
Clinicians typically re-administer the PHQ-9 every 2–4 weeks when monitoring treatment response, or every 3–6 months for general wellness monitoring. If you scored 10+, retake it in 2 weeks after starting any intervention (therapy, lifestyle changes, medication) to measure whether your score is improving. A 5-point drop is considered a clinically meaningful improvement.
What should I do if I score 10 or higher?
A score of 10+ means depression-level symptoms are present and you should speak with a healthcare provider. You can start with your primary care doctor — they are trained to discuss PHQ-9 results and can refer you to a mental health specialist if needed. If your score is 20+, please seek care urgently. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm (PHQ-9 item 9), please contact a crisis line immediately: 988 (US), 116 123 Samaritans (UK), or your local emergency services.
Free · No account required · Results stay on your device · Not a medical diagnosis