Depression Screening (PHQ-9)
Professional Mental Health Assessment
Evaluate your depression symptoms using the clinically-validated PHQ-9 screening tool trusted by mental health professionals worldwide.
Answer 9 Questions
Rate how often you've experienced depression symptoms over the past 2 weeks
Get Your Score
See where you fall on the depression severity scale (0-27)
Understand Next Steps
Receive personalized recommendations based on your results
Depression Assessment
A compassionate check-in on how you've been feeling over the last 2 weeks
Instructions: Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems? There are no right or wrong answers. Just answer honestly about your experience.
Your Results
Important Notice
You indicated having thoughts of hurting yourself. Please know that help is available and you do not have to face this alone. Consider reaching out to one of these resources now:
Recommended Next Steps
What is Depression?
Depression is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch. It's a serious mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders, affecting approximately 280 million people worldwide and about 21 million adults in the United States each year.
The good news? Depression is highly treatable. Research shows that 80-90% of people with depression respond well to treatment, and almost all patients gain some relief from their symptoms. Understanding your symptoms is the first step toward getting the help you deserve.
This assessment uses the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), one of the most widely used and clinically-validated screening tools for depression. It's used by healthcare providers worldwide to assess depression severity and monitor treatment progress. If you're wondering about related concerns, you might also take our anxiety quiz since anxiety and depression often occur together.
Need Immediate Support?
If you're experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out immediately. You are not alone, and help is available:
Understanding Your PHQ-9 Score
The PHQ-9 assessment produces a score between 0 and 27. Each of the 9 questions is scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day). Here's what each score range typically indicates:
Note: This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. A licensed mental health professional can provide a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment recommendations. Learn more about individual therapy →
Types of Depression
Depression isn't one-size-fits-all. Different types require different approaches to treatment. Understanding which type you might be experiencing can help guide your path to recovery.
Major Depressive Disorder
Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest lasting at least two weeks. The most common form of clinical depression.
Persistent Depressive Disorder
A milder but longer-lasting form of depression (dysthymia) that continues for at least two years. Often goes undiagnosed.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Depression that follows seasonal patterns, typically worsening in fall and winter when there's less natural sunlight.
Postpartum Depression
Depression occurring after childbirth, affecting about 1 in 7 new mothers. It's more than "baby blues" and requires professional support.
High-Functioning Depression
When someone appears successful and "fine" on the outside while struggling internally. Often goes undiagnosed. Take the quiz →
Bipolar Depression
Depressive episodes that occur as part of bipolar disorder, alternating with periods of elevated mood (mania or hypomania).
Depression vs. Normal Sadness
Everyone feels sad sometimes. But how do you know when it's more than ordinary sadness? Here's a helpful comparison:
| Normal Sadness | Depression |
|---|---|
| Has a clear cause (loss, disappointment) | May have no obvious trigger |
| Lifts within days or weeks | Persists for 2+ weeks without improvement |
| You can still enjoy some activities | Loss of interest in most things |
| Sleep and appetite stay relatively normal | Significant sleep and appetite changes |
| Self-worth remains intact | Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt |
| You can function at work/school | Daily functioning is impaired |
| No thoughts of death or suicide | May include thoughts of death or self-harm |
Effective Treatments for Depression
Depression is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. With the right approach, most people experience significant improvement. Treatment options include:
Therapy Options
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
The gold standard for depression treatment. CBT helps identify and change negative thought patterns. Research shows 50-60% of people improve significantly with CBT alone.
EMDR Therapy
Particularly effective when depression is rooted in trauma or distressing life experiences. Explore EMDR therapy →
Individual Therapy
One-on-one work with a licensed therapist to explore root causes of depression and develop personalized coping strategies. Learn more →
Self-Help Strategies
While professional help is often needed, these evidence-based strategies can support your recovery:
- Exercise — Even 30 minutes of walking can boost mood and reduce symptoms
- Sleep hygiene — Maintaining consistent sleep schedules supports mental health
- Social connection — Staying connected with supportive people helps combat isolation
- Limiting alcohol — Alcohol is a depressant and can worsen symptoms
- Structure and routine — Daily routines provide stability during difficult times
- Journaling — Writing about feelings can help process emotions
How Depression Affects Relationships
Depression doesn't just impact the person experiencing it — it affects relationships too. Understanding your attachment style can also help explain how depression shows up in your relationships.
Common ways depression can show up in relationships include:
- Emotional withdrawal — Pulling away from partners, friends, and family
- Communication difficulties — Struggling to express needs or feelings
- Reduced intimacy — Loss of interest in physical and emotional closeness
- Irritability — Snapping at loved ones without meaning to
- Guilt about being a "burden" — Pushing people away to "protect" them
If you or your partner is struggling with depression, support is available. Many couples find that couples counseling helps them navigate depression together and strengthen their relationship in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Depression
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a clinically-validated screening tool developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, and Kurt Kroenke. It's widely used by healthcare providers worldwide to screen for depression, assess severity, and monitor treatment progress.
A score of 10 or higher suggests moderate depression that would likely benefit from professional support. However, even mild depression (scores 5-9) that persists or affects your quality of life warrants attention. If you scored anything above 0 on question 9 (thoughts of self-harm), please reach out regardless of your total score.
The PHQ-9 has been extensively validated with excellent sensitivity (88%) and specificity (88%) for detecting major depression. However, it's a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. For an official diagnosis, you'll need to meet with a licensed mental health professional.
While "cure" may not be the most accurate term, depression is highly treatable. Many people experience complete remission of symptoms with proper treatment. Research shows 80-90% of people with depression respond well to treatment.
Both therapy and medication can be effective for depression, and research suggests a combination often works best for moderate to severe depression. Therapy helps you develop long-term coping skills while medication can provide relief as you build those skills.
Yes, EMDR can be highly effective for depression, especially when depression is linked to traumatic experiences or distressing memories. Research shows EMDR can reduce depression symptoms by helping the brain process these experiences.
Depression is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Research suggests about 40% of depression risk is hereditary. However, environmental factors like trauma, chronic stress, major life changes, and relationship difficulties also play significant roles.
Normal sadness typically has a clear cause, lifts within days or weeks, and doesn't significantly impair daily functioning. Clinical depression persists for at least two weeks, may have no obvious trigger, includes physical symptoms like sleep and appetite changes, and affects your ability to work and maintain relationships.
Take More Mental Health Assessments
Anxiety Quiz (GAD-7)
Assess your anxiety symptoms with this clinically-validated screening tool.
High-Functioning Depression Quiz
Discover if you're struggling beneath a successful exterior.
Attachment Style Quiz
Understand how your attachment patterns affect your relationships.
Toxic Relationship Quiz
Identify unhealthy patterns in your relationships.
Fawn Response Quiz
Discover if people-pleasing is affecting your wellbeing.
All Quizzes →
Explore our full library of free mental health assessments.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Depression is treatable, and you don't have to face it alone. Our therapists specialize in evidence-based treatments that can help you feel like yourself again.
Schedule a Free ConsultationAbout This Assessment
The PHQ-9 was developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, and Kurt Kroenke with funding from Pfizer Inc. It has been extensively validated and is used by healthcare providers worldwide as a reliable screening tool for depression.
Disclaimer: This online assessment is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose depression or any other medical condition. The results should not replace consultation with a qualified mental health professional. If you're experiencing depression symptoms, please reach out to a licensed therapist or healthcare provider.