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What is the PHQ-9? |
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The PHQ-9 is a brief, 9-item questionnaire used to screen for and measure the severity of depression symptoms. |
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What does PHQ-9 stand for? |
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PHQ-9 stands for Patient Health Questionnaire-9, referring to its nine questions based on DSM criteria for depression. |
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What does the PHQ-9 measure? |
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It measures symptoms of depression such as low mood, loss of interest, sleep problems, fatigue, appetite changes, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of self-harm over the past two weeks. |
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How long does it take to complete? |
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Most people complete the PHQ-9 in 2–5 minutes. |
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How is the PHQ-9 scored? |
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Each of the 9 items is scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day).
Total scores range from 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms. |
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Is the PHQ-9 a diagnosis? |
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No. The PHQ-9 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic assessment. A qualified healthcare professional must make a formal diagnosis. |
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Is the PHQ-9 reliable and valid? |
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Yes. The PHQ-9 has been widely validated in medical, community, and international populations and demonstrates strong reliability and validity. |
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Is the PHQ-9 scientifically validated? |
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Yes. The PHQ-9 was developed by researchers including Kurt Kroenke and Robert L. Spitzer, and has been widely validated in clinical and research settings around the world. |
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Can the PHQ-9 be used to track progress? |
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Yes. Because it measures symptom severity, it is often used to monitor changes over time during treatment. |
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What should I do if my score is high? |
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If your score suggests moderate to severe depression, it is important to seek guidance from a doctor, psychologist, or mental health professional. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, seek immediate support. |