Depression Test (PHQ-9)

Written by the LuluCare psychology team · Updated October 2026

The PHQ-9 is the questionnaire doctors around the world use to screen for depression. Think about the last 2 weeks and pick the answer that fits best. It takes about 2 minutes.

Anonymous and free. Your answers are scored in your browser and never leave your device.

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?

1Little interest or pleasure in doing things

Not at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

2Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless

Not at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

3Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much

Not at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

4Feeling tired or having little energy

Not at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

5Poor appetite or overeating

Not at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

6Feeling 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

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

Not at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

8Moving 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

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

Not at allSeveral daysMore than half the daysNearly every day

This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Only a doctor or licensed mental health professional can diagnose a mental health condition.

If you're having thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out now: call your local emergency number, or find a free helpline near you at findahelpline.com (in the US, call or text 988).

Common questions

What is the PHQ-9?

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 is a 9-question depression screening tool used in clinics worldwide. Each answer scores 0–3, for a total of 0–27.

What do the scores mean?

0–4 minimal, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, 20–27 severe. A score of 10 or more is the usual point at which professionals look more closely.

Is this a diagnosis?

No. The PHQ-9 shows how strong your symptoms have been recently. A diagnosis needs a conversation with a doctor or licensed professional.

How often can I take it?

It asks about the last 2 weeks, so retaking it every 2 weeks is a simple way to track how you're doing.

About this test

The PHQ-9 was developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke and colleagues, with an educational grant from Pfizer Inc., and is free to use. Reference: Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB. The PHQ-9. J Gen Intern Med. 2001;16(9):606-613.