Test Depression
This assessment uses the PHQ-9, the Patient Health Questionnaire depression module, one of the most widely validated depression screening tools in clinical use. Answer based on how often each has bothered you over the past two weeks.
A quick, honest self check
You will answer 9 questions on how often something has bothered you over the last two weeks, from Not at all to Nearly every day.
One question asks about thoughts of self-harm. If that applies to you, please answer honestly. You will see clear next steps immediately after, regardless of your overall score.
Before your result, a direct note
You indicated having thoughts of self-harm or being better off dead. That matters more than any score on this page, and you do not have to sit with it alone.
If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number right now. If you want to talk to someone, findahelpline.com lists free, confidential crisis lines by country, available right now. In the United States, you can call or text 988.
Your result below is still here when you are ready to see it. There is no rush.
PHQ-9 Screening Result
About The PHQ-9
The PHQ-9 was developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, and Kurt Kroenke, with support from Pfizer, as part of the larger PRIME-MD diagnostic tool. It maps directly onto the nine DSM diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder, and is one of the most extensively validated and widely used depression screeners in both primary care and mental health research worldwide.
How scoring works
Each of the 9 questions is scored 0 to 3 based on frequency over the last two weeks, Not at all, Several days, More than half the days, or Nearly every day, for a maximum of 27 points. Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity across five established bands, from minimal to severe.
Why question 9 is handled differently
The ninth question screens for thoughts of self-harm. In real clinical use, any endorsement of this item triggers immediate follow-up regardless of the total score. This page follows that same standard, showing direct crisis resources right away if that question is answered as anything other than not at all.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the PHQ-9 is a real, validated instrument used across primary care and mental health settings. A doctor pairs it with a clinical interview and history, which this self-scored version cannot replace.
Scores of 0 to 4 suggest minimal symptoms, 5 to 9 mild, 10 to 14 moderate, 15 to 19 moderately severe, and 20 to 27 severe. These bands guide clinical decisions about whether and how to treat, but only a clinician can interpret your specific situation.
Please see the note shown right after that question. You do not need a high total score to reach out for support. Contact a crisis line or your local emergency number if you are in immediate danger.
Yes. Scores can fluctuate, and this snapshot covers only two weeks. If you are struggling despite a low score, that feeling is still worth discussing with a professional.
No. This test runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you enter is sent to a server, stored, or shared with anyone.