Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9 Depression)

The international gold standard for primary depression screening and symptom severity assessment based on DSM-5 clinical criteria.

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The assessment is completely free and requires no registration or email. Your answers are confidential and processed locally on your device.

Question 1 of 90 / 9 (0%)

Little interest or pleasure in doing things

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How it is calculated

9 questions assessing the frequency of depressive symptoms over the past 2 weeks on a scale from 0 ('Not at all') to 3 ('Nearly every day').

Formula

Total PHQ-9 Score = Sum of all 9 item scores (range 0–27). 0–4: Minimal; 5–9: Mild; 10–14: Moderate; 15–19: Moderately severe; 20–27: Severe depression.

Limits of the method

This screening tool does not replace clinical evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. An affirmative answer to question 9 requires immediate clinical support.

Sources of the method

This calculation is for reference only and is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a prescription. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, take medication or have any doubts, discuss the result with a physician or a qualified nutrition professional.

Instructions for Taking the PHQ-9

Reflect on the past 2 weeks

Evaluate how you have felt over the last 14 days, taking into account the frequency of each described sensation.

Answer all 9 items

Choose the most accurate frequency for each symptom from 'Not at all' (0) to 'Nearly every day' (3).

Review clinical interpretation

Examine your severity category, self-care guidelines, and recommended healthcare resources.

PHQ-9 Result Examples

Normal3 points

Minimal Symptoms

Normal situational mood fluctuations without clinical functional impairment.

Specialized mental health intervention is not indicated. Maintain healthy sleep and lifestyle habits.

Moderate12 points

Moderate Depressive Symptoms

Diminished energy, disrupted sleep, reduced enjoyment in hobbies, and difficulty concentrating at work.

Consultation with a psychotherapist and evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are advised.

Severe21 points

Severe Major Depression

Persistent hopelessness, severe psychomotor slowing or agitation, profound fatigue, and intense guilt.

Comprehensive psychiatric medical evaluation and multimodal therapy are strongly recommended.

Nutrition, Gut Microbiota, and Depression

Approximately 90% of serotonin is synthesized in the gut. An anti-inflammatory Mediterranean diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, prebiotics, and fiber provides supportive neurochemical benefits.

Crisis Support and Emergency Resources

If you are experiencing unbearable emotional distress or thoughts of self-harm, please reach out to emergency mental health crisis services or call a local crisis hotline immediately.

PHQ-9 Severity Classification

Score	Severity Level	Recommended Clinical Action
0 – 4	Minimal or None	No therapeutic intervention required
5 – 9	Mild Depression	Watchful waiting, sleep hygiene, repeat test in 1 month
10 – 14	Moderate Depression	Consultation with a psychotherapist, structured CBT course
15 – 19	Moderately Severe Depression	Pharmacotherapy and/or comprehensive psychotherapy
20 – 27	Severe Depression	Immediate psychiatric consultation and intensive care

Validated by K. Kroenke et al. (2001). Recommended by APA and NICE clinical guidelines.

Frequently asked questions

What does my PHQ-9 score mean?

The score reflects the frequency and burden of depressive symptoms experienced over the past two weeks.

Is the PHQ-9 an official medical diagnosis?

No. It is a validated clinical screening tool for self-monitoring or initial triage. A formal medical diagnosis requires a clinical evaluation by a physician.

What should I do if my score is moderate or high?

It is strongly recommended to consult a licensed psychotherapist or psychiatrist. Modern evidence-based therapies (such as CBT) and medical treatments are highly effective.

How often can I retake this test?

Every 2 weeks is the recommended frequency, as the questions measure emotional symptoms over the preceding 14-day window.

Are my answers confidential and secure?

Yes. All calculations are executed locally inside your web browser. No personal health information is stored or transmitted.

If accompanied by anxiety or sleep disturbances, take the GAD-7 anxiety scale and the ISI insomnia index.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7) →Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) →Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) →Eating Behavior Diagnostic Wizard →

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What next

Formula breakdowns, biomarker reference ranges and nutrition articles with cited sources are in the NutriFit knowledge base.

Go to the knowledge base