Depression Screening Test (PHQ-9)

9 questions· 2 minutes· Instant results
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The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is the most widely used depression screening instrument in clinical practice worldwide, developed by Kroenke, Spitzer, and Williams in 2001. It is used by the NHS, the US Department of Veterans Affairs, and primary care physicians in more than 70 countries.

9 Questions The nine core symptoms of depression experienced over the past two weeks.
0–27 Total Score Scored 0 to 3 per item based on frequency of each symptom.
5 Bands Severity Minimal to severe depression. A score of 10 or above indicates clinically significant symptoms.

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Your answers are processed locally in your browser. No data is collected or sent to any server. No login account is required and results are available instantly. This test is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a clinical diagnosis.

Disclaimer

This test is based on the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a clinical diagnostic tool and does not constitute medical advice. Depression is diagnosed through a comprehensive clinical assessment, not through a questionnaire. If you are concerned about your wellbeing, please consider speaking with a qualified healthcare professional.

FAQs

What is the PHQ-9?

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a validated self-report screening instrument for depression, developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke, and colleagues. Its nine items correspond to the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder in the DSM-IV. It is one of the most widely used depression screening tools in primary care worldwide and has been released by Pfizer for unrestricted use.

How is the PHQ-9 scored?

Each of the nine items is scored 0 to 3 (Not at all = 0, Nearly every day = 3), for a total score of 0 to 27:

  • 0 to 4: Minimal or no depression
  • 5 to 9: Mild depression
  • 10 to 14: Moderate depression
  • 15 to 19: Moderately severe depression
  • 20 to 27: Severe depression

How accurate is this screener?

The PHQ-9 has a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 88% for detecting major depression at a cutoff score of 10. These are strong properties for a brief self-report instrument. However, a high score does not confirm a diagnosis, and a low score does not rule one out. A clinical assessment by a trained professional is always required for diagnosis.

Is my data stored anywhere?

No. OmLumi has a strong commitment to user privacy and does not collect any personal data. All scoring happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your answers are never transmitted to any server, stored in a database, or shared with any third party. No account or login is required, and results are available instantly. When you close the tab, your answers are gone.

What should I do with my results?

If your score is 10 or above, consider sharing your results with a doctor or mental health professional. The PHQ-9 is designed to start a conversation with a healthcare provider, not to replace one. Scores can also be affected by physical illness, grief, life circumstances, and other factors. A trained clinician can help you understand what the score means for your specific situation.

REFERENCES

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. doi:10.1046/j.1525-1497.2001.016009606.x

Copyright Pfizer Inc. The PHQ-9 is available at no charge; no permission is required to reproduce, translate, display, or distribute it.