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Mental health tests

PHQ-9 depression test

The PHQ-9 is the most widely used short questionnaire for checking symptoms of depression in primary care, and NHS Talking Therapies services use it too. It has 9 questions about the last 2 weeks and takes about 2 minutes.

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?

1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things

2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless

3. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much

4. Feeling tired or having little energy

5. Poor appetite or overeating

6. Feeling bad about yourself — or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down

7. Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television

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

9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way

Please answer every question to see your result.

Your answers never leave this device: they are not sent anywhere or stored.

Your result

Please answer every question to see your result.

This result is a guide, not a diagnosis. Only a health professional can assess your situation. If your symptoms worry you or have lasted for weeks, speak to your GP or, in England, refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies.

About this test

The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) was developed by Drs Spitzer, Williams and Kroenke and validated in a study published in 2001 with patients in primary care and obstetrics–gynaecology clinics. Each question matches one of the criteria professionals use to assess a depressive episode.

Each answer scores from 0 (“Not at all”) to 3 (“Nearly every day”). The total runs from 0 to 27: the higher it is, the stronger and more frequent your symptoms over the last 2 weeks.

It is a screening tool: it helps you decide whether to seek advice, but it doesn't replace an assessment by a professional. Other things (thyroid problems, anaemia, lack of sleep, bereavement) can cause similar symptoms.

What your score means

0–4Minimal symptoms
5–9Mild symptoms
10–14Moderate symptoms
15–19Moderately severe symptoms
20–27Severe symptoms

When to get help

If you score 10 or more, or your symptoms last more than 2 weeks and affect your work, home life or relationships, book an appointment with your GP. In England you can also refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies without seeing a GP.

If you ticked question 9 (thoughts of hurting yourself), don't wait: call Samaritans free on 116 123, day or night, text SHOUT to 85258, or call 999 or go to A&E if you are in danger.

Frequently asked questions

Can the PHQ-9 diagnose depression?

No. It is a screening questionnaire that gives an idea of how strong your symptoms are. A diagnosis is made by a health professional after talking with you.

What PHQ-9 score is considered high?

In the original study, 10 or more points to at least moderate symptoms, and 15 or more to moderately severe or severe symptoms. These cut-offs are a guide only.

Is this the same questionnaire the NHS uses?

Yes, the questions are the official PHQ-9. NHS Talking Therapies services in England ask people to fill it in to track symptoms during treatment. This site is not part of the NHS.

How often can I take the test?

Because it asks about the last 2 weeks, it makes sense to repeat it every 2–4 weeks to see whether your symptoms are getting better or worse.

Are my answers saved?

No. Your result is calculated in your browser and nothing is sent to any server.

Sources

Reviewed on 30.10.2026

  1. Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB. The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. J Gen Intern Med. 2001;16(9):606-613.
  2. Diez-Quevedo C, Rangil T, Sanchez-Planell L, Kroenke K, Spitzer RL. Validation and utility of the Patient Health Questionnaire in diagnosing mental disorders in 1003 general hospital Spanish inpatients. Psychosom Med. 2001;63(4):679-686.
  3. PHQ Screeners (Pfizer) — versión oficial en español de España: phqscreeners.com
  4. NHS: NHS talking therapies for anxiety and depression (self-referral) — https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/nhs-talking-therapies/
  5. NHS England: NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression manual — https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/the-improving-access-to-psychological-therapies-manual/
  6. NHS: Where to get urgent help for mental health — https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/

Developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke and colleagues, with an educational grant from Pfizer Inc. No permission required to reproduce, translate, display or distribute.

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