Feeling down after a hard week is normal. Feeling low, empty, or exhausted most days for weeks is something else — and it deserves attention. The PHQ-9 is a short, widely used screening questionnaire that helps put words and numbers on how you’ve been feeling. Here’s how it works and what to do with your result.
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Common signs of depression
NIMH describes depression as more than feeling sad for a few days: symptoms last most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks. They can include:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Fatigue or low energy
- Trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
How the PHQ-9 depression test works
The PHQ-9 was validated in a 2001 study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine (Kroenke et al.). It asks how often, over the last two weeks, you’ve been bothered by nine symptoms of depression. Each answer scores from 0 (“not at all”) to 3 (“nearly every day”), for a total from 0 to 27.
| PHQ-9 score | Depression severity (screening) |
|---|---|
| 0–4 | None to minimal |
| 5–9 | Mild |
| 10–14 | Moderate |
| 15–19 | Moderately severe |
| 20–27 | Severe |
A score is not a diagnosis, and any thoughts of self-harm matter regardless of your total score — please reach out to 988 or a professional if you have them.
Wondering if it’s depression?
Take Online-Therapy.com’s free depression test. A few quick questions — a screening, not a diagnosis.
Take the free depression test →Sponsored link · Cancel anytime · Not an emergency service — in crisis, call or text 988
What to do with your result
- Minimal to mild: keep track of your mood; routine, sleep, movement, and social contact can help. Reach out if things don’t improve.
- Moderate or higher: talk to a licensed therapist or your doctor. Depression is treatable.
- Any thoughts of self-harm: call or text 988 now.
Treatment options
According to NIMH, depression is usually treated with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most studied talk therapies for depression and can be delivered online. Medication decisions should be made with a doctor or psychiatrist.
If you’d like to start therapy from home, read our Online-Therapy.com review or compare options in does online therapy take insurance?
Frequently asked questions
Can an online test tell me if I’m depressed?
No. The PHQ-9 is a screening tool. Only a qualified professional can diagnose depression.
How long do symptoms need to last?
NIMH describes depression symptoms as lasting most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks.
What if I just feel sad?
Sadness after a loss or a hard time is normal. If low mood lasts for weeks or gets in the way of daily life, it’s worth talking to someone.
Low mood lasting weeks?
Online-Therapy.com pairs you with a licensed therapist and a step-by-step CBT program for depression. Use code THERAPY20 for 20% off your first month.
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Sources
- Kroenke K et al. (2001). The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine.
- NIMH: Depression
- NIMH: Psychotherapies
- SAMHSA: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline