Depression Test & PHQ-9 Screening

Take this confidential depression screening based on the PHQ-9 questionnaire. Get personalized recommendations and know when to seek professional help.

By Peony Health Team
PHQ-9 validated screening
Quick 3-minute test
Personalized recommendations

About the PHQ-9 Depression Screening

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is the most widely used depression screening tool in clinical practice. Developed by leading researchers and validated in extensive studies, it helps identify depression symptoms and their severity. This assessment is used by healthcare providers worldwide to guide treatment decisions and monitor progress.

You're taking an important step

The PHQ-9 is a trusted screening tool used by healthcare providers worldwide to understand depression levels. It's been validated in over 6,000 patients and helps identify when professional support might be beneficial.

Remember: Depression is a medical condition, not a personal weakness. With proper support and treatment, most people experience significant improvement. You deserve to feel better, and help is available.

Let's understand how you've been feeling

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems? There are no wrong answers.

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

References

  1. 1.

    Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., & Williams, J. B. (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
  2. 2.

    Manea, L., Gilbody, S., & McMillan, D. (2015). A diagnostic meta-analysis of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) algorithm scoring method as a screen for depression. *General Hospital Psychiatry*, 37(1), 67-75

  3. 3.

    Cuijpers, P., et al. (2013). A meta-analysis of cognitive-behavioural therapy for adult depression, alone and in comparison with other treatments. *Canadian Journal of Psychiatry*, 58(7), 376-385

Frequently Asked Questions

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a validated depression screening tool used by healthcare professionals worldwide. It was developed by Kroenke, Spitzer, and Williams and has been validated in over 6,000 patients. The PHQ-9 has excellent reliability and accurately identifies depression symptoms across diverse populations.

PHQ-9 scores range from 0-27. Scores of 0-4 suggest minimal depression, 5-9 mild depression, 10-14 moderate depression, 15-19 moderately severe depression, and 20-27 severe depression. Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms and typically warrant professional evaluation and treatment.

If you have any thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please seek immediate help. Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line), go to your nearest emergency room, or call 911. You matter, and help is available 24/7.

Yes, depression is highly treatable. Research shows that 60-80% of people with depression improve significantly with proper treatment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has response rates of 50-75%, and antidepressant medications are effective in 60-70% of cases. Combined therapy and medication are often most effective for moderate to severe depression.

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Medical Disclaimer: This tool provides educational estimates based on established formulas and is not intended as medical advice. Individual results may vary. For personalized guidance, consult with healthcare professionals through our platform.