PHQ-9 Depression Screening Tool

The PHQ-9 is a 9-item questionnaire that screens for depression symptoms over the past 2 weeks. Answer questions about how often you’ve experienced symptoms like feeling down or losing interest in activities. When to use this tool? Use the PHQ-9 for:

• Public health research, such as estimating depression prevalence in communities or workplaces.
• Screening in community settings to identify individuals who may need mental health support.
• Educational purposes, to learn about depression symptoms and severity for students or professionals.
• Monitoring mood changes in non-clinical settings, like wellness programs (with professional follow-up).

Why is this tool a good option? The PHQ-9 is:

• Validated globally and used in research, primary care, and public health studies.
• Quick (2-5 minutes) and easy to understand, even for beginners with no medical training.
• Free and reliable, based on DSM-5 criteria for depression, ensuring accuracy.
• Actionable, with clear scores to guide next steps, like consulting a healthcare provider.

This tool is for screening only, not diagnosis. Always share results with a healthcare provider for a full evaluation.

Disclaimer: This tool is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for mental health concerns.

1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things Select an optionNot at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless Select an optionNot at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

3. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much Select an optionNot at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

4. Feeling tired or having little energy Select an optionNot at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

5. Poor appetite or overeating Select an optionNot at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

6. Feeling bad about yourself — or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down Select an optionNot at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

7. Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television Select an optionNot at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

8. Moving 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 usual Select an optionNot at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way Select an optionNot at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

Calculate Score Reset

Your Results:

This tool was prepared by PublicHealthVoice.com by taking references from:
- Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., & Williams, J. B. (2001). The PHQ-9: Validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(9), 606-613.
- American Psychiatric Association. DSM-5 Online Assessment Measures. Available at: https://www.psychiatry.org/practice/dsm/dsm5/online-assessment-measures