Introduction
PHQ-9 asks how often nine depressive experiences occurred during the past two weeks. The topics include mood, interest, sleep, energy, appetite, concentration and changes in movement.
Frequency describes one part of the picture. Two people may report the same frequency but have different demands, support and difficulties with daily life. Examples of missed activities, unfinished tasks or altered sleep help connect the answers to their practical impact.
EPDS focuses on a perinatal context, GDS on older adults and KADS on adolescents. These are different question sets rather than interchangeable versions of PHQ-9. When following your own experience over time, record the date and relevant changes in circumstances alongside each questionnaire.
Instructions
Over the past 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
Scoring and result metrics
The result page reports a local screening score for this questionnaire. Use the score range, any subscale scores, and the interpretation band together rather than treating one number as a diagnosis.
- Score range
- 0-27
- Items scored
- 9
- Result indicators
- Total score / Interpretation band when available
Score interpretation bands
- 0-4Minimal depression range
Scores below 4 are not indicative of depression symptoms.
- 5-9Mild depression range
Scores in the 5-9 range are indicative of mild depression symptoms.
- 10-14Moderate depression range
Scores in the 10-14 range are indicative of moderate depression symptoms.
- 15-19Moderately severe depression range
Scores in the 15-19 range are indicative of moderately severe depression symptoms.
- 20-27Severe depression range
Scores in the 20-27 range are indicative of severe major depression symptoms.
Interpretation bands summarize screening thresholds from the questionnaire source material. Higher scores usually indicate more of the measured concern unless the tool notes a different scoring rule.
Tool information
- Version
- 9 questions
- Administration
- Self-report
- Intended audience
- Adults and older adolescents reviewing depressive symptoms and functional impact over the past two weeks
Sources
Related tests
Explore related screening tools in the same topic area.
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
The Edinburgh scale asks about emotional experiences around the postnatal period, including enjoyment, self-blame, worry, sadness and feeling overwhelmed.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 Item Scale (GAD-7)
GAD-7 brings together seven experiences related to anxiety, including persistent worry, difficulty relaxing, restlessness and irritability.
Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)
The Geriatric Depression Scale explores mood and engagement with life in older adults.