PHQ-9 Depression Screening Calculator

Score the nine-question Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) to see the severity of depression symptoms over the past two weeks. Example: answering 1 (several days) to the first eight questions and 0 to the ninth scores 8, the mild range.

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Over the last 2 weeks, how often: Little interest or pleasure in doing things

Over the last 2 weeks, how often: Feeling down, depressed or hopeless

Over the last 2 weeks, how often: Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much

Over the last 2 weeks, how often: Feeling tired or having little energy

Over the last 2 weeks, how often: Poor appetite or overeating

Over the last 2 weeks, how often: Feeling bad about yourself, or that you are a failure or have let yourself or family down

Over the last 2 weeks, how often: Trouble concentrating on things such as reading or television

Over the last 2 weeks, how often: Moving or speaking so slowly that others notice, or being fidgety or restless

Over the last 2 weeks, how often: Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself in some way

How to use the PHQ-9 Depression Screening Calculator

Enter the values in the fields.
Press Calculate to see the result with the steps shown.

Formula and method

PHQ-9 total = sum of nine items scored 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day). Range 0 to 27.

PHQ-9 severity

Score	Severity	Typical next step
0 to 4	Minimal	Monitor
5 to 9	Mild	Watchful waiting, repeat
10 to 14	Moderate	Consider counseling or treatment
15 to 19	Moderately severe	Active treatment
20 to 27	Severe	Prompt professional care

How accurate is PHQ-9

A score of 10 or more has about 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity for major depression in the original validation. It is a screen to start a conversation, not to diagnose.

If you need help now

In the US you can call or text 988 at any time. Outside the US, find local crisis lines at findahelpline.com. If you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number.

Cautions

This calculator is for education and is not medical advice. Decisions about diagnosis and treatment belong with a qualified clinician.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good PHQ-9 score?

Lower is better; 0 to 4 is minimal.

What score is depression?

10 or more is a positive screen.

What does question 9 mean?

It asks about thoughts of self-harm; any answer above 0 needs follow-up.

How often should I repeat it?

Every few weeks to track change.

Is PHQ-9 a diagnosis?

No.

What treatments help?

Therapy, medicines, exercise and support, chosen with a clinician.

Sources

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