Free Online PHQ-9 Depression Assessment

Understanding Your PHQ-9 Score: Scoring and Interpretation

The PHQ-9 is scored out of 27. Each of the nine items is rated 0 to 3 based on how often you have been bothered by that symptom over the past two weeks. Your total score falls into one of five severity bands.

Score 0–4 — Minimal or no depression

Depressive symptoms are minimal or absent. No clinical concern is indicated based on this screening.

No action is required. Reassess if mood or functioning changes.

Score 5–9 — Mild depression

Mild depressive symptoms are present. These may not yet meet full diagnostic criteria, but are worth monitoring, particularly if they persist beyond two weeks.

Lifestyle strategies and monitoring may help. Seek assessment if symptoms worsen or continue.

Score 10–14 — Moderate depression

Clinically significant depressive symptoms are likely and may be affecting daily functioning. A score in this range warrants professional evaluation.

A psychiatric consultation is recommended to clarify the picture and discuss options.

Score 15–19 — Moderately severe depression

Significant depressive symptoms with likely impact on work, relationships, and daily life. Prompt evaluation is important.

Seek a psychiatric assessment promptly. Effective evidence-based treatments are available at this level.

Score 20–27 — Severe depression

Severe depressive symptoms with substantial impact on functioning. Early intervention is strongly recommended.

Seek a psychiatric assessment without delay. Comprehensive treatment planning is recommended at this severity level.

Important: Question 9

Question 9 asks about thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself in some way.

If you scored 1 or above on Question 9, this deserves attention regardless of your total score. Please speak to a psychiatrist, or reach out to a crisis helpline — support is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

• Tele-MANAS (Government of India): 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 — available in English and 20 regional languages

• iCall (TISS): 9152987821

• AASRA: 9820466726

• Emergency: contact your nearest hospital or call 112

You do not need to be in crisis to reach out. If these thoughts are present at all, talking to someone is the right step.

Important Notes on This Screening

A screening score cannot confirm or rule out depression. Diagnosis requires a full clinical assessment, including how long symptoms have been present and how much they affect daily life.

Symptoms that resemble depression can also arise from thyroid disorders, anaemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, certain medications, chronic pain, sleep disorders, or substance use. This is one reason professional assessment matters — identifying the underlying cause guides appropriate management.

Depression is a treatable condition. If your score is 10 or above, or if low mood is affecting your work, studies, sleep, or relationships, a consultation with a qualified psychiatrist is recommended.

Clinical reference: Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JBW. The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 2001;16(9):606–613.

This tool is provided for screening and educational purposes only and does not constitute a clinical diagnosis or replace professional medical advice.