What does the PHQ-9 measure?

The PHQ-9 measures the severity of depression symptoms based on the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. It assesses nine key areas including mood, sleep, energy, appetite, concentration, and thoughts of self-harm over the past two weeks.

How accurate is the PHQ-9?

The PHQ-9 has been extensively validated with a sensitivity and specificity of 88% ( Kroenke et al., 2001 ). This means it's effective at identifying both the presence and absence of major depression. However, it should be used as part of a comprehensive assessment by a healthcare professional.

What should I do if I receive a high score?

If you receive a high score on the PHQ-9, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation. They can provide a thorough assessment and discuss appropriate treatment options. If you're having thoughts of self-harm, seek immediate help through emergency services or crisis hotlines.

Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) screens for depression in nine short questions. Each one maps to a symptom in the DSM-5, and your answers give both a picture of the past fortnight and a severity score. GPs and psychologists reach for it constantly. It's quick, it holds up well in research, and it's easy to repeat later to see whether things are shifting.

Last Updated: 4 February, 2025

Length: 2 minutes
Questions: 9 questions
Sensitivity: 88%
Specificity: 88%

About the PHQ-9

It started out as part of the PRIME-MD, a longer diagnostic interview, and was pared back to the nine items that matter for depression. You fill it in yourself, thinking back over the last two weeks. Clinicians keep reaching for it, and here's why:

It's been validated in study after study.
It flags depression and tracks how severe it is over time.
It stays short without giving up much accuracy.
It lines up with the DSM-5 criteria for depression.

The questions ask how often you've run into things like low mood, poor sleep, low energy, appetite changes, and thoughts of harming yourself. Put together, they give a GP a clearer place to start a conversation about what's going on and what might help.

This PHQ-9 assessment is intended for screening purposes only. If you're experiencing thoughts of self-harm, please contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or seek immediate medical attention.

Need a printable version?

View the PDF version of the PHQ-9 test to print, save, or share with others.

View PDF Version

Frequently Asked Questions

How Scoring Works

The PHQ-9 uses a point system based on the frequency of symptoms over the past two weeks:

Not at all = 0 points
Several days = 1 point
More than half the days = 2 points
Nearly every day = 3 points

Total scores indicate depression severity:

0-4: Minimal depression
5-9: Mild depression
10-14: Moderate depression
15-19: Moderately severe depression
20-27: Severe depression

Healthcare providers use these scores alongside clinical judgment to determine appropriate treatment approaches. The PHQ-9 can also be used to monitor response to treatment over time.

The PHQ-9 was developed by Pfizer Inc.