The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is the premier evidence-based screener worldwide for tracking mood, pleasure capacity, and vital energy over the previous two weeks.
We neither save nor send your answers.Understand how this instrument is structured, its scoring rubrics, and the empirical research validating its methodology.
The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is the premier evidence-based screener for mood symptoms and depressive severity in global healthcare.
Affect and Interest: Diminished pleasure in activities, persistent low mood, and loss of emotional vitality.
Somatic Indicators: Disrupted sleep architecture, physical exhaustion, appetite shifts, and motor slowing.
Cognitive Patterns: Negative self-evaluation, difficulties with focus, and questions of self-worth.
Total score sums the 9 items (0 to 3 each) over the past two weeks to yield a clinical index from 0 to 27.
| Score | Level / Criteria | Psychometric Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 4 | None to minimal | Mood parameters reflect typical everyday emotional health. |
| 5 - 9 | Mild depression | Mild symptoms that benefit from lifestyle adjustment and watchful waiting. |
| 10 - 14 | Moderate depression | Clinically notable symptoms; professional psychological review is advised. |
| 15 - 19 | Moderately severe | Substantial impairment in daily functioning requiring active clinical care. |
| 20 - 27 | Severe depression | Severe distress warranting timely evaluation by a qualified specialist. |
Scores of 0-4 reflect minimal symptoms, 5-9 mild, 10-14 moderate, 15-19 moderately severe, and 20-27 severe. A score of 10 or greater is a recognized clinical threshold.
No. The PHQ-9 is a standardized self-report screener. Formal diagnosis requires clinical evaluation by a licensed physician or clinical psychologist.
If item 9 is endorsed, the tool surfaces compassionate immediate crisis helpline resources directly on screen.
100% confidential and processed entirely in local memory with zero tracking.