Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
The PHQ-9 is a 9-question screening tool used to assess depression severity. Each question is scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day).
PHQ-9 Depression Assessment
The PHQ-9 scores each of 9 symptoms on a scale from 0-3:
Severity Interpretation:
- 0-4: Minimal depression
- 5-9: Mild depression
- 10-14: Moderate depression
- 15-19: Moderately severe depression
- 20-27: Severe depression
Important: This is a screening tool only and not a diagnostic instrument. Results should not replace professional medical evaluation. If you're experiencing thoughts of self-harm, contact emergency services immediately.
PHQ-9 Assessment Questions
Score Visualization
Severity Level
Mental Health Resources
If you're experiencing symptoms of depression, these resources can help:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 Find a Therapist (Psychology Today) Depression Information (NIMH) Find a Psychiatrist (American Psychiatric Association)Emergency Support
If you're experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, contact emergency services immediately:
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
Assessment & Recommendations
Based on your PHQ-9 score of 0, your depression severity level is Minimal.
- Continue monitoring your mood and symptoms
- Maintain healthy lifestyle habits
- Consider speaking with a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen
- Utilize stress management techniques
PHQ-9 Knowledge Quiz
Question 1: PHQ-9 Scoring
What is the maximum possible score on the PHQ-9?
The correct answer is b) 27. The PHQ-9 has 9 questions, each scored from 0-3, giving a maximum possible score of 9 × 3 = 27.
The PHQ-9 scoring system multiplies the number of questions (9) by the maximum score per question (3) to get the total possible score of 27.
Question 2: Severity Interpretation
Which score range indicates moderate depression on the PHQ-9?
The correct answer is c) 10-14. The PHQ-9 severity levels are: 0-4 (Minimal), 5-9 (Mild), 10-14 (Moderate), 15-19 (Moderately Severe), and 20-27 (Severe).
Each score range corresponds to a specific level of depression severity and recommended treatment approach.
Question 3: Clinical Significance
At what score should clinicians consider active treatment for depression?
The correct answer is b) 10 or above. Clinicians typically consider active treatment interventions when PHQ-9 scores reach 10 or higher, indicating moderate to severe depression.
Even scores below 10 warrant monitoring and may benefit from lifestyle interventions or counseling.
Question 4: PHQ-9 Application
Which population is the PHQ-9 specifically validated for?
The correct answer is b) Adults in primary care settings. The PHQ-9 was specifically developed and validated for use in adult populations within primary care environments.
While commonly used in various settings, the PHQ-9 has the strongest evidence base for adult primary care populations.
Question 5: Critical Item
Which PHQ-9 item requires immediate clinical attention regardless of total score?
Question 9: "Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself in some way?" Any endorsement of this item requires immediate clinical attention due to suicide risk, regardless of the total PHQ-9 score.
Never disregard suicidal ideation based on a low total score. Question 9 responses always require clinical follow-up.
Q&A
Q: I took the PHQ-9 and got a score of 12. What does this mean and what should I do next?
A: A score of 12 on the PHQ-9 falls in the "Moderate Depression" range (10-14). This indicates significant depressive symptoms that are likely affecting your daily functioning.
Recommended Next Steps:
- Consult a healthcare provider: Schedule an appointment with your doctor or a mental health professional
- Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is highly effective for moderate depression
- Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management
- Medication consideration: Antidepressants may be discussed with your provider
Remember, the PHQ-9 is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Professional evaluation is essential for appropriate treatment planning.
Q: Can I use the PHQ-9 to track my depression over time during treatment?
A: Yes, the PHQ-9 is excellent for tracking treatment progress! It's designed to be sensitive to changes in depression severity over time.
Tracking Benefits:
- Baseline measurement: Establish starting point before treatment
- Progress monitoring: Re-administer every 2-4 weeks during treatment
- Treatment adjustment: Helps determine if interventions are effective
- Goal setting: Aim for 50% reduction in symptoms
Typically, a 50% reduction in PHQ-9 scores or reaching below 5 points indicates meaningful improvement. However, always discuss results with your healthcare provider.