Free depression test with the standard PHQ-9: check symptoms over the past two weeks in 9 questions and see what your result means.
Patient Health Questionnaire-9
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
This questionnaire is a screening tool only and does not provide a medical or psychological diagnosis. If needed, the result should be discussed with a qualified mental health professional.
Your answers are confidential, and this test does not replace a professional diagnosis. Your answers are processed only on this device, in your browser, and are not stored on our servers. Only an anonymous summary of the result, without your name or answers, is sent to our team.
What does this test measure?
The PHQ-9 is a nine-question questionnaire published by Kroenke, Spitzer and Williams in 2001. Each question covers one sign of depression, such as loss of interest, low mood, sleep problems, fatigue or poor concentration, over the past two weeks.
What does the result mean?
Scores range from 0 to 27. In the original study, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mark mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe symptoms. If you answer question nine (thoughts of death or self-harm) with anything other than "not at all", you will see a separate safety message regardless of your total.
Limits of this test
The PHQ-9 shows how severe symptoms are, not what causes them. Grief, an underactive thyroid, lack of sleep or medication side effects can cause similar symptoms, and diagnosing depression requires a professional assessment.
When is it worth talking to a professional?
If symptoms have lasted several weeks or affect your work, studies, sleep or relationships, talking to a psychologist, psychotherapist or doctor can help. If you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I am depressed?
Feeling sad sometimes is normal. If you have felt low or lost interest on most days of the past two weeks and your sleep, energy or concentration changed too, the PHQ-9 can give a first picture; only a professional can diagnose.
What if I have thoughts of harming myself?
Please do not wait for a test result. If you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number; otherwise speak to a doctor, a crisis service or someone you trust as soon as you can.
Are my answers stored?
No. Your answers are processed only in your browser and are not stored on Emotral servers. You do not need an account to take the test.
Related reading
References
- Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., & Williams, J. B. W. (2001). The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(9), 606-613. doi:10.1046/j.1525-1497.2001.016009606.x