PHQ-9 Depression Test: How to Score and Interpret Your Results
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is one of the most widely used tools in clinical medicine for screening, diagnosing, and monitoring depression. Whether you are a healthcare professional or someone trying to understand your mental health, knowing how to interpret PHQ-9 scores can be life-changing.
What Is the PHQ-9?
Developed by Drs. Robert Spitzer, Janet Williams, and Kurt Kroenke, the PHQ-9 is a self-administered questionnaire consisting of nine questions. Each question corresponds to one of the nine diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in the DSM-5. It takes less than 3 minutes to complete and has been validated in over 8,000 patients across multiple studies.
PHQ-9 Scoring Guide
Each of the nine items is scored on a scale of 0 to 3:
| Score | Frequency |
|---|---|
| 0 | Not at all |
| 1 | Several days |
| 2 | More than half the days |
| 3 | Nearly every day |
What Your PHQ-9 Score Means
| Total Score | Depression Severity | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 4 | Minimal or none | Monitor; may not need treatment |
| 5 – 9 | Mild | Watchful waiting; repeat PHQ-9 in follow-up |
| 10 – 14 | Moderate | Treatment plan, consider counselling or medication |
| 15 – 19 | Moderately severe | Active treatment with medication and/or therapy |
| 20 – 27 | Severe | Immediate treatment; medication + referral |
The Critical Question 9
Question 9 asks about thoughts of self-harm or being better off dead. Any score above 0 on Question 9 requires immediate clinical assessment, regardless of the total score. This is a non-negotiable clinical rule.
PHQ-9 Validity and Research Evidence
The PHQ-9 has a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 88% for major depression when using a cutoff score of 10 or greater. A landmark validation study by Kroenke, Spitzer and Williams (2001) in the Journal of General Internal Medicine established it as the gold standard for depression screening in primary care settings.
It is used globally in GP clinics, hospital wards, research studies, and digital health applications. The World Health Organization recognises it as a validated screening instrument for use in diverse populations.
Take the Free PHQ-9 Test Now
Ready to take the PHQ-9 yourself or use it with your patients? Our free, clinically accurate PHQ-9 calculator gives you instant results with interpretation guidance — no registration needed.
How Clinicians Use the PHQ-9
Beyond initial screening, clinicians use serial PHQ-9 assessments to monitor treatment response. A reduction of 5 or more points is considered a clinically meaningful improvement. Many electronic health record systems now auto-calculate PHQ-9 trajectories over time.
PHQ-9 vs PHQ-2: Which Should You Use?
The PHQ-2 uses only the first two questions of the PHQ-9 as an ultra-brief screener. A score of 3 or more on the PHQ-2 should prompt administration of the full PHQ-9. For comprehensive assessment, always use the full PHQ-9. You can explore our full mental health calculator suite including GAD-7, DASS-21, WHO-5, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PHQ-9 a diagnosis?
No. The PHQ-9 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A positive screen should prompt a full clinical interview by a qualified healthcare professional.
Can I use the PHQ-9 for children?
The PHQ-9 is validated for adults. For adolescents aged 12-17, the PHQ-A (Adolescent version) is more appropriate.
How often should PHQ-9 be repeated?
For patients on treatment, reassessment every 2-4 weeks is recommended initially, then every 3 months once stable.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
