Depression test: am I depressed? (PHQ-9)
The PHQ-9 is the depression screening tool used by clinicians worldwide. This free 2-minute test gives you a validated score and what it means. It's a screening tool, not a diagnosis, and your answers stay on your device.
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by…
This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. The PHQ-9 helps identify signs of depression — only a qualified professional can provide a clinical assessment. If you’re in crisis, please reach out to a helpline. If you are in crisis, call Tele-MANAS at 14416 or see our crisis-helpline page.
Based on the PHQ-9 © Pfizer Inc. Developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams & Kroenke. Free for clinical use. Source: phqscreeners.com
What this depression test measures
This free depression test uses the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item), the depression screening tool used by clinicians worldwide. It asks how often, over the last two weeks, you have been bothered by nine signs of depression, including low interest, low mood, sleep and appetite changes, and difficulty concentrating.
Each question scores 0 to 3, for a total of 0 to 27. The ninth question asks about thoughts of self-harm; if you endorse it at all, the tool shows you support resources straight away rather than a score, by design.
What your depression score means
The PHQ-9 sorts your total into five bands. A score of 10 or higher is the usual point at which it is worth talking to a professional.
| Score | Severity | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 | Minimal | Little to no depression symptoms. |
| 5–9 | Mild | Some symptoms; monitor and consider support. |
| 10–14 | Moderate | Symptoms are affecting daily life. 10+ is the usual cut-off to seek help. |
| 15–19 | Moderately severe | Strong symptoms. Talking to a psychologist is recommended. |
| 20–27 | Severe | Significant symptoms. Professional support is strongly recommended. |
What to do with your result
Depression is common and very treatable, and reaching out early makes a real difference. If your score is in the moderate range or higher, or if low mood is affecting daily life, a psychologist can help you understand what is going on and find a way forward.
ElloMind connects you with licensed, Malayalam and English speaking psychologists, online, in your timezone. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, please contact Tele-MANAS at 14416 or see our crisis-helpline page.
Common questions
What is the PHQ-9 depression test?
The PHQ-9 is a validated 9-question screening tool for depression, developed by Drs. Spitzer, Williams and Kroenke and released free by Pfizer. It scores depression from 0 to 27 across minimal, mild, moderate, moderately severe, and severe bands. It is a screening aid, not a diagnosis.
What PHQ-9 score indicates depression?
0 to 4 suggests minimal symptoms, 5 to 9 mild, 10 to 14 moderate, 15 to 19 moderately severe, and 20 to 27 severe. A score of 10 or more is the usual threshold for discussing depression with a professional.
Is this depression test accurate?
The PHQ-9 is one of the most validated depression screening tools, with good sensitivity and specificity at a cut-off of 10. It is a screen, not a diagnosis. A qualified professional confirms depression through a full assessment.
Is this depression test free and private?
Yes. It is free, needs no login, and runs in your browser. Your answers are not saved unless you choose to share your number for a detailed analysis.
What should I do if I have thoughts of harming myself?
Please reach out now. In India you can call Tele-MANAS at 14416 or KIRAN at 1800-599-0019, both free and confidential. You do not have to go through this alone.
Sources
- Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JBW. The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2001;16(9):606-613.
- The PHQ-9 is in the public domain, released free by Pfizer Inc. ElloMind reproduces it without modification.