Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression and wellbeing assessment

Mind Engrave Clinic

Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)

The PHQ-9 is a multipurpose, short validated instrument for screening, diagnosing, monitoring, and measuring the severity of depression. It can be used to assess adults, teens, and professionals. PHQ-9 offers a focused, reliable screen for depressive symptoms. Complete the nine items based on the last two weeks. The PHQ-9 score guides next steps and supports clinical judgment.

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

1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things?
2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?
3. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much?
4. Feeling tired or having little energy?
5. Poor appetite or overeating?
6. Feeling bad about yourself — or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down?
7. Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television?
8. Moving or speaking slowly — or being so fidgety/restless that you have been moving a lot more than usual?
9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way?

Interpretation of PHQ-9 Score

Provisional Diagnosis

Each item scores 0 (Not at all) to 3 (Nearly every day). Add all item scores. Total range: 0–27.

  • 0–4: Minimal or none
  • 5–9: Mild
  • 10–14: Moderate
  • 15–19: Moderately severe
  • 20–27: Severe

For professionals: Use clinical judgment. Repeat screening, combine with clinical interview, and consider comorbidities. For teens, evaluate family and school impact.

Proposed Treatment Actions for Patient Health Questionnaire-9

  • 0–4: Monitor; Self-care and Psychoeducation.
  • 5–9: Offer brief interventions; follow-up in 2–4 weeks.
  • 10–14: Develop a treatment plan that may include counseling, follow-up, and/or pharmacotherapy.
  • 15-19: Active management using pharmacological therapy, psychotherapy, or both.
  • 20-27: Begin medication without delay, and if symptoms are severely disabling or treatment response is inadequate, fast-track referral to a mental-health professional for therapy and/or collaborative care.

Who benefits from this test:

  • Professionals: Use the scores as part of measurement-based care and documented treatment planning.
  • Adults: Use the test scores for routine screening in primary care and mental health settings.
  • Teens: Use alongside family and school impact questions; consider age-appropriate follow-up.

How to use results

Use the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 as a screening step. It does not replace a diagnostic interview.

Adults and teens: If results show moderate or higher symptoms (score ≥10), seek a clinical assessment. Also, follow safety guidance if item 9 flagged.

Professionals: Pair PHQ-9 results with functional assessment, risk evaluation, and structured clinical history. Use measurement-based care to track progress over time.

Note: This Patient Health Questionnaire-9 test provides screening information only. It does not replace professional diagnosis. If you are in crisis, call local emergency services now.

Notes for Professionals

Patient Health Questionnaire-9 is widely used in primary care and mental health settings. This test functions as a validated screening tool. Also, consider alternative screening for adolescents where clinically indicated. Document scores and follow-up plans.

Note:

All calculations occur on your device. No information you enter is transmitted to our servers.

Sources:

  • Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB. The Patient Health Questionnaire-2: Validity of a Two-Item Depression Screener. Medical Care. 2003;41:1284-92.
  • Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB. The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. J Gen Intern Med. 2001;16:606-13.
  • Kroenke K, Spitzer RL. The PHQ-9: a new depression diagnostic and severity measure. Psychiatr Ann. 2002;32:509-21.

Note: To learn more about how PHQ-9 works and its clinical background, check PHQ-9 overview.

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