Depression Test: Answer 9 Questions to See If You’re Struggling
- Zachary Wise
- Jan 16
- 10 min read
Updated: Sep 8
If you've been feeling overwhelmed, uninterested, or just not yourself, you're not alone. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) is a trusted, 9-question screening tool that can help you understand what you might be going through. This guide will walk you through the PHQ-9, helping you interpret your symptoms and find the right path forward.
What does a PHQ-9 score mean?
A PHQ-9 score indicates the severity of your depressive symptoms. Scores from 0-4 suggest minimal or no depression, while scores from 5-9 indicate mild depression. Moderate depression is indicated by a score of 10-14, moderately severe by 15-19, and severe depression by a score of 20-27.
The PHQ-9 is a crucial first step, but there's more to understand about its impact and what to do after you get your results. Continue reading to learn how to interpret your scores and when to seek professional help.
In this Blog
How Can a Simple 9-Question Test Help You Understand Your Depression?
Feeling overwhelmed, uninterested in things you used to enjoy, or just not like yourself? You’re not
alone. Depression is one of the most common mental health challenges in the United States. While it can feel isolating, tools like the PHQ-9 Depression Test online can help shine a light on what you may be going through.
This 9-question screening tool is designed to assess depressive symptoms and help you better understand the severity of your depression. Whether you're experiencing little interest in activities, trouble falling asleep, or low self-esteem, the PHQ-9 can help point you toward the next steps.
If you’ve been struggling with depression symptoms for two weeks or more, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the PHQ-9 Depression Test and why it’s a trusted resource in the world of mental health.
What Is the PHQ-9 Depression Test?=
The PHQ-9 Depression Test is short for the Patient Health Questionnaire 9. It's one of the most widely used diagnostic instruments for evaluating depression in primary care settings and is trusted by health professionals worldwide. The test is based on the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder outlined in the Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
Developed and validated by Kroenke K et al, and featured in respected journals like the Journal of General Internal Medicine (J Gen Intern Med) and Medical Care, the PHQ-9 assesses nine key symptoms of depression. Beyond screening for major depression, it also helps detect other common mental disorders like anxiety disorders and postpartum depression.
Its simplicity and reliability make it an invaluable screening tool for healthcare providers looking to foster early diagnosis and improve patient outcomes for those struggling with depressive symptoms.
Who Should Take the PHQ-9 Depression Test?
While depression can affect anyone, certain groups may benefit most from taking the PHQ-9, including:
Those experiencing symptoms of depression such as fatigue, sadness, or withdrawal from daily activities.
Individuals with risk factors for depression, such as a history of traumatic brain injury, chronic medical conditions, heart disease, or substance use disorders.
Older adults and the broader general adult population who may be at heightened risk for major depression.
The PHQ-9 is particularly helpful for anyone looking for a structured way to assess their mental health and start a conversation with their health professional.
Understanding the Questions on the PHQ-9 Depression Test
How the PHQ-9 Works
The PHQ-9 is made up of nine questions that reflect symptoms commonly experienced by individuals with depression. Each question is scored on a scale of 0 to 3, which corresponds to how often you've experienced the following problems in the last two weeks (e.g., "not at all," "several days”).
Each question on the PHQ-9 is designed to look at specific symptoms of depression. For help understanding the questions, use the table below which includes a simple breakdown of what each question means and how you can answer it:
Questions 1-9 | What it means |
|---|---|
1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things | This asks if you’ve stopped enjoying activities you usually like, such as hobbies or spending time with friends. Think about if things have felt less fun or interesting lately. |
2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless | This question checks if you’ve been feeling sad, upset, or like things won’t get better. Be honest about your overall mood and outlook over the past two weeks. |
3. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much | This asks about changes in your sleep. Are you having a hard time falling asleep, waking up a lot during the night, or sleeping way more than usual? |
4. Feeling tired or having little energy | This looks at whether you’ve felt extra tired or like you don’t have the energy to do everyday tasks, even simple ones. |
5. Poor appetite or overeating | This asks if you’ve noticed changes in your appetite. Have you been eating much less than usual or overeating more often? |
6. Feeling bad about yourself or that you are a failure | This checks if you’ve been really hard on yourself, feeling like you’re not good enough or blaming yourself for things that aren’t your fault. |
7. Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading or watching TV | This asks if it’s been harder to focus on things like schoolwork, TV shows, or conversations with others. Think about whether your mind has felt foggy or distracted. |
8. Moving or speaking slower than usual, or feeling restless or fidgety | This looks at whether you’ve felt like you’re moving more slowly or don’t have much energy. On the flip side, it also asks if you’ve been feeling restless, like you can’t sit still or stop fidgeting. |
9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead or hurting yourself | This important question asks if you’ve been having thoughts about self-harm or feeling like life isn’t worth it. It’s crucial to answer this honestly so you can get the right support. |
Tips on How to Answer the Questions
Be Honest: Think about how you’ve really been feeling and don’t try to downplay your symptoms.
Think About the Last Two Weeks: The test is asking about how you’ve felt over the past two weeks, not just today.
Use the Scale Carefully: Each answer ranges from "Not at all" to "Nearly every day." Pick the option that feels most true to you.
By answering honestly and carefully, the PHQ-9 can help you better understand how you’re feeling and whether it’s time to talk to someone about it.
Take the Test
Disclaimer: The PHQ-9 Depression Test is a screening tool designed to help identify depressive symptoms and their severity, not to provide a diagnosis. While it has been validated as a reliable measure of depression severity by Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, and Williams JB (The PHQ-9: Validity of a Brief Depression Severity Measure, J Gen Intern Med, 2001; 16(9):606-13), it should always be followed up with professional consultation. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Chateau Health & Wellness has taken reasonable care in compiling this information but makes no warranty regarding its accuracy. If you have concerns about your mental health, please consult a licensed doctor or healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Neither Chateau Health & Wellness or MDApp collect or save any data entered in this assessment.
Scoring and Interpreting PHQ-9 Results
After completing the PHQ-9, your total score provides a snapshot of your mental health. Here’s what the score ranges typically indicate:
0–4: Minimal or no depression: You may feel down occasionally, but your symptoms are not likely to interfere with daily life.
5–9: Mild depression: Symptoms may be noticeable but manageable. This could be a good time to explore ways to support your mental health, like self-care or speaking with a healthcare provider.
10–14: Moderate depression: Symptoms might start affecting your daily life, relationships, or work. It’s recommended to talk to a healthcare professional about treatment options.
15–19: Moderately severe depression: Symptoms are likely having a significant impact on your life. Seeking help from a healthcare provider is highly recommended.
20–27: Severe depression: Symptoms may feel overwhelming and disruptive. Immediate help from a mental health professional is crucial.
Remember, these scores are a guide, not a diagnosis. They’re designed to help you better understand your symptoms and when to seek support.
The Impact of Screening Results on Your Quality of Life
Taking an online depression screening like the PHQ-9 can be life-changing. It helps you identify symptoms that might be affecting your mood, energy, and ability to enjoy life. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward improving your quality of life.
By understanding your mental health better, you can take meaningful steps to feel more like yourself again. Even when that might mean seeking therapy, considering medication, or making lifestyle changes. Untreated depression can impact relationships, work, and daily routines, but with treatment, many people see dramatic improvements in their well-being.
When To Seek Help
Taking the PHQ-9 is an excellent first step, but what you do next matters. If your scores indicate moderate to severe depression, it’s time to take action:
Talk to a Healthcare Provider: Share your PHQ-9 results with a health professional. They can conduct a full evaluation and help you create a treatment plan, whether that includes therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
Connect with Mental Health Resources: Use an official website or call a local helpline to find support in your area.
Don’t Wait: Early intervention leads to better patient outcomes. The sooner you seek help, the more manageable your symptoms can become.
Beyond the PHQ-9: Other Self-Tests for Mental Health
If you're exploring other areas of your mental health, you might find these self-tests helpful for identifying additional common mental disorders that are alongside the PHQ-9 on our website:
Self-tests offer valuable insights but always follow up with a professional for comprehensive care.
Take Charge of Your Mental Health Today
Understanding your mental health is a powerful step toward healing. The PHQ-9 Depression Test online is a reliable, accessible way to evaluate your symptoms of depression and identify the severity of depressive symptoms.
If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and tools like the PHQ-9 can guide you toward brighter days.
Sources:
Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., & Williams, J. B. W. (2001). The PHQ-9. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(9), 606–613. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1525-1497.2001.016009606.x
Levis, B., Benedetti, A., & Thombs, B. D. (2019). Accuracy of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for screening to detect major depression: individual participant data meta-analysis. BMJ, l1476. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1476
Zuithoff, N. P., Vergouwe, Y., King, M., Nazareth, I., Van Wezep, M. J., Moons, K. G., & Geerlings, M. I. (2010). The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for detection of major depressive disorder in primary care: consequences of current thresholds in a crosssectional study. BMC Family Practice, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2296-11-98
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9 & PHQ-2). (2020, June 10). https://www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/pi/about/publications/caregivers/practice-settings/assessment/tools/patient-health
Maurer, D. M., Raymond, T. J., & Davis, B. N. (2018, October 15). Depression: screening and diagnosis. AAFP. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2018/1015/p508.html
Frequently Asked Questions
• What is the PHQ-9 Depression Test?
The PHQ-9, or Patient Health Questionnaire 9, is a widely used 9-question screening tool that helps evaluate and assess depressive symptoms. It is trusted by healthcare professionals and based on the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder.
• Who should take the PHQ-9 Depression Test?
The PHQ-9 is particularly helpful for anyone experiencing symptoms of depression like fatigue or sadness, those with risk factors like chronic medical conditions, or anyone looking for a structured way to assess their mental health.
• What do the questions on the PHQ-9 ask about?
The nine questions on the PHQ-9 address common depression symptoms, such as little interest or pleasure in things, trouble sleeping, low energy, poor appetite, and feelings of worthlessness.
• What should I do after taking the PHQ-9?
Your score can provide guidance on your next steps. If your results indicate moderate to severe depression, it's highly recommended to talk to a healthcare professional, share your results, and discuss a treatment plan.
• Is the PHQ-9 a diagnosis?
No, the PHQ-9 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool. While it helps identify the severity of depressive symptoms, the results should always be followed up with a consultation from a licensed doctor or healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis.
After taking the PHQ-9, you might have questions about what your results mean or what to do next. We at Chateau Health & Wellness are here to help. We understand that taking the first step can be difficult, and our team is committed to providing a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Whether you're exploring treatment options, seeking guidance, or simply want to talk to a professional about your mental health, we can work together to create a personalized plan. Call us today at (435) 222-5225 to begin your journey toward feeling like yourself again.
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About The Author
Zachary Wise is a Recovery Specialist at Chateau Health and Wellness
Where he helps individuals navigate the challenges of mental health and addiction recovery. With firsthand experience overcoming trauma, depression, anxiety, and PTSD, Zach combines over 8 years of professional expertise with personal insight to support lasting healing.
Since 2017, Zach has played a pivotal role at Chateau, working in case management, staff training, and program development.
Danny Warner, CEO of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings a wealth of experience in business operations, strategic alliances, and turnaround management, with prior leadership roles at Mediconnect Global, Klever Marketing, and WO Investing, Inc. A graduate of Brigham Young University in Economics and History, Danny has a proven track record of delivering results across diverse industries. His most transformative role, however, was as a trail walker and counselor for troubled teens at the Anasazi Foundation, where he directly impacted young lives, a personal commitment to transformation that now drives his leadership at Chateau.
Austin Pederson, Executive Director of Chateau Health and Wellness
Brings over eight years of experience revolutionizing mental health and substance abuse treatment through compassionate care and innovative business strategies. Inspired by his own recovery journey, Austin has developed impactful programs tailored to individuals facing trauma and stress while fostering comprehensive support systems that prioritize holistic wellness. His empathetic leadership extends to educating and assisting families, ensuring lasting recovery for clients and their loved ones.
Ben Pearson, LCSW - Clinical Director
With 19 years of experience, Ben Pearson specializes in adolescent and family therapy, de-escalation, and high-risk interventions. As a former Clinical Director of an intensive outpatient program, he played a key role in clinical interventions and group therapy. With 15+ years in wilderness treatment and over a decade as a clinician, Ben has helped countless individuals and families navigate mental health and recovery challenges.
