Depression Test (PHQ-9)
This is a depression test based on the PHQ-9, a clinically validated self-assessment questionnaire of 9 questions about the last two weeks. Answer them and get your score from 0 to 27 straight away, with the matching band (from minimal to severe). The calculation happens entirely in your browser: we do not collect, store or send anything, and there is no need to sign up. It is a screening tool, not a diagnosis: for a reliable assessment, speak to a professional.
- Free and anonymous
- No data saved or sent
- 9 questions, under 3 minutes
- Scored in your browser
Take the test
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
If you have thoughts of hurting yourself, you are not alone
If in the last while you have thought that you would be better off not here, or of hurting yourself, what you feel matters and you can talk about it right now with someone. You do not have to face this on your own. Here are some free, confidential listening lines. If you are in immediate danger to yourself or others, call 999.
- Samaritans — 116 123 Free, 24/7, for anyone in distress
- SHOUT — text SHOUT to 85258 Free 24/7 text support if you would rather not call
- Childline — 0800 1111 Free, for children and young people, 24/7
If you need a moment to breathe and find some calm, you can also use our free SOS app.
What the PHQ-9 is and how to read the score
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire, 9-item depression module) measures the severity of depressive symptoms over the last two weeks, following the nine diagnostic criteria for depression. Each question is worth from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day); the total runs from 0 to 27. The standard bands are:
- 0-4 minimal or no depression
- 5-9 mild depression
- 10-14 moderate depression
- 15-19 moderately severe
- 20-27 severe depression
A score of 10 or above is the threshold beyond which clinically significant depression is more likely: it is a valid reason to talk it through with a professional, not a diagnosis. The PHQ-9 includes a tenth question (how difficult the problems have made everyday life) that is not part of the score and serves only as context.
An important note about the ninth question. The PHQ-9 also asks about thoughts of death or of hurting yourself. If this question applies to you even in part, the result will show you listening lines straight away, right at the top, regardless of your total score: because those thoughts matter in their own right, not because of the sum. If you are there now, do not wait: talk to someone you trust or call 999.
Source of the questionnaire
The items and the response scale are the original English wording of the PHQ-9, developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke and colleagues (Pfizer Inc.). Original references: Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JBW, The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure, J Gen Intern Med. 2001;16(9):606-613; Spitzer RL, Kroenke K, Williams JBW, Validation and utility of a self-report version of PRIME-MD, JAMA. 1999;282(18):1737-1744. The PHQ-9 is free to use, reproduce and translate, with no permission required.
Frequently asked questions
Is the PHQ-9 depression test reliable?
The PHQ-9 is one of the most widely used and validated depression screening tools in clinical practice and research. It is reliable as an initial screen, but it remains a first-orientation tool: it does not replace an assessment by a professional.
Does a high score mean I have depression?
No. A high score indicates frequent symptoms over the last two weeks and suggests exploring things further with a professional, but it is not a diagnosis. Only a doctor or psychologist can assess the full picture.
Is my data safe?
Yes. The score is worked out entirely in your browser. We do not collect, store or send your answers anywhere: there are no accounts, emails or cookies tied to the test. If you reload the page, your answers disappear.
Read more
To understand depression, anxiety and what you can do: