What is the PHQ-9 Depression Screening?

The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a clinically validated self-administered tool used to screen for and assess the severity of depression. It consists of 9 questions based on the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder.

How is the PHQ-9 scored?

Each of the 9 questions is scored from 0 (Not at all) to 3 (Nearly every day), giving a total score between 0 and 27. Scores of 1–4 indicate minimal depression, 5–9 mild depression, 10–14 moderate depression, 15–19 moderately severe depression, and 20–27 severe depression.

Is the PHQ-9 a diagnostic tool?

The PHQ-9 is a screening tool and not a definitive diagnostic instrument. It helps identify potential signs of depression and should be followed up with a consultation from a licensed mental health professional for a formal diagnosis.

How long does it take to complete the PHQ-9 screening?

The PHQ-9 questionnaire typically takes 2 to 5 minutes to complete, making it a quick and efficient mental health self-assessment tool.

Who can use the PHQ-9 screening tool?

The PHQ-9 is designed for adults who want to evaluate their mental health and monitor potential symptoms of depression. It is widely used in clinical and non-clinical settings as an initial mental health assessment.

What should I do after completing the PHQ-9 screening?

After completing the PHQ-9 screening, review your score and the corresponding severity level. If your score indicates moderate or severe depression, it is strongly recommended to consult a licensed mental health professional or healthcare provider for further evaluation and support.

PHQ-9 Depression Screening

Mental Health Screening

PHQ-9 Depression
Screening Tool

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a validated, widely-used health screening instrument for detecting and measuring the severity of depression. Supports both self-assessment and healthcare-assisted screening.

Questions

Minutes

Severity Levels

0–27

Score Range

Severity Classification Guide

Minimal / None 0 – 4

Mild Depression 5 – 9

Moderate Depression 10 – 14

Moderately Severe 15 – 19

Severe Depression 20 – 27

Begin Screening

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Your Full Name

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Assessment Date

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PHQ-9 Questionnaire Q1 of 9

PHQ-9 · Question 1 Question 1 of 9

Screening Results

· ·

Question 9 — Suicidal Ideation Flagged

Your response to Question 9 indicates thoughts of self-harm or suicide. This requires immediate professional support. Please speak with a qualified mental health professional as soon as possible.

0 / 27

PHQ-9 Total Score

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Per-Question Score Breakdown

Question-by-Question Responses

Support Recommendations

Health Disclaimer This PHQ-9 report is a screening tool and does not constitute a diagnosis. Results should be interpreted only by a qualified healthcare professional as part of a comprehensive assessment. The PHQ-9 was developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke and colleagues. EasyShiksha accepts no health-related liability for decisions made solely on the basis of this screening report.

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PHQ-9 Depression
Screening Tool

Screening Results