Screening tools · Adult depression

PHQ-9 Depression Screening.

A nine-item measure of depressive symptoms over the past two weeks. It includes a question about thoughts of death or self-harm and cannot assess suicide risk or establish a diagnosis.

What this measure assesses

The PHQ-9 asks adults about nine depressive symptoms over the past two weeks and takes about three minutes.

Item 9 and immediate support

Any response other than “Not at all” to Item 9 immediately displays 9-8-8 and emergency guidance. BrainLab is not notified. Item 9 alone cannot classify suicide risk, and a zero response does not prove that risk is absent.

Questionnaire

PHQ-9

Intended for: Adults age 18 and older

Timeframe: Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?

Choose one response for each item. This questionnaire includes a question about thoughts of death or self-harm.

1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things

Not at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless

Not at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

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

Not at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

4. Feeling tired or having little energy

Not at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

5. Poor appetite or overeating

Not at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

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

Not at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

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

Not at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

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

Not at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

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

Not at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

0 of 9 answered

Score guide

Understanding this score

Use the score as one piece of information. A screening questionnaire cannot establish a diagnosis or rule out a condition.

Score guide for PHQ-9

How scoring works

Nine items score from 0 to 3 and are added for a total from 0 to 27.

Published ranges or thresholds

Published bands are minimal (0–4), mild (5–9), moderate (10–14), moderately severe (15–19) and severe (20–27).

PHQ-9 score bands
Score	Published description
0–4	Minimal
5–9	Mild
10–14	Moderate
15–19	Moderately severe
20–27	Severe

These ranges describe symptoms reported on the questionnaire. They do not establish a diagnosis.

What a higher score may indicate

Higher bands indicate more recent depressive symptoms, not a diagnosis or suicide-risk classification.

What a lower score may indicate

A lower total does not rule out depression, episodic distress or the need for support.

Evidence and limitations

The PHQ-9 uses nine 0–3 items and published symptom bands over the prior two weeks. The total must be considered with functioning, history, context and Item 9; this page is not monitored and cannot assess suicide risk.

Screening vs assessment

A questionnaire is not a psychological assessment.

A questionnaire can help you notice patterns, but it does not diagnose, produce a psychological assessment report or replace professional evaluation. You do not need to complete one before requesting an assessment.

Compare screening and assessment Use the Assessment Planner

When further support may be useful

Consider professional support if low mood, loss of interest or related symptoms are distressing, persistent or affecting daily life. For suicide crisis support in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 at any time; for immediate danger, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Therapy Nurse Practitioner services Psychodiagnostic assessment

Frequently asked questions

Does the PHQ-9 diagnose depression?

No. It measures recent symptom frequency and requires professional context for diagnostic use.

Does Item 9 determine suicide risk?

No. A positive response is important and deserves support, but the item is not a comprehensive suicide-risk assessment.

What if I need help now?

Call or text 9-8-8 in Canada. If there is immediate danger, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Source

PHQ Screeners — PHQ-9 (opens in a new tab)

Attribution

Developed by Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke and colleagues.

Reference

Kroenke, Spitzer and Williams (2001), Journal of General Internal Medicine (opens in a new tab)

Next step

Consider support in the context of your life.

View therapy, Nurse Practitioner services or psychodiagnostic assessment below the safety information.

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