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A minute to breathe

Box breathing: breathe in for a count of four, hold for four, breathe out for four and hold again. Four rounds, a little over a minute.

Breathe in

Round 1 of 4

Depression

Nine questions, two minutes. The PHQ-9 is a short questionnaire doctors and psychologists everywhere use to check for signs of depression: how often its main symptoms have bothered you over the last two weeks.

Take the test
  • 2 min
  • 9 questions
  • PHQ-9 scale, 2001

Depression is not a “bad mood” and not a weakness of character. It is a state in which interest and energy disappear for weeks, sleep and appetite change, and thoughts about yourself turn heavy. It is very common and responds well to treatment. The PHQ-9 does not diagnose, but it helps you see how strong the symptoms are and whether to talk them over with a specialist.

How to read the result

  1. 0-4Minimal symptomsAlmost no signs of depression.
  2. 5-9Mild symptomsNoticeable, but not getting in the way much yet.
  3. 10-14Moderate symptomsThe point at which it is worth talking to a specialist.
  4. 15-19Moderately severe symptomsSpecialist help is needed, and it is better not to wait.
  5. 20-27Severe symptomsA doctor's help is needed as soon as possible.

Common questions

Can I diagnose myself with this test?

No. The PHQ-9 is a screening: it shows how strong the symptoms of depression have been over the last two weeks and helps you decide whether to see a specialist. A doctor makes the diagnosis after a conversation, because similar symptoms appear in other conditions too, such as thyroid problems or burnout.

How is the score calculated?

Each of the nine answers is worth 0 to 3 points, and the total runs from 0 to 27. The scale's authors set cut-offs at 5, 10, 15 and 20, from minimal to severe symptoms. A score of 10 or more is considered a reason to see a specialist.

Why is there a separate question about thoughts of death?

The ninth question helps catch a dangerous state in time. If you answered it with anything other than “not at all”, the result shows this separately, whatever the total. Such thoughts are a common symptom of depression, and it matters to tell a specialist about them.

How often can I take the test?

Once every two weeks: that is the period the questions ask about. Your results are kept on your device under “My results”, where you can see how things change.

What to take next

PHQ-9, the Patient Health Questionnaire (Kroenke, Spitzer, Williams, 2001), was developed with an educational grant from Pfizer Inc.; reproduction, translation and distribution are permitted. It is a screening, not a diagnosis: only a specialist can diagnose, after a conversation. If you feel very bad right now or have thoughts of hurting yourself, please call an ambulance or a helpline.