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Depression screening · PHQ-9

Am I depressed, or just having a hard time?

This is the PHQ-9, the 9-question screener doctors use worldwide. It takes about two minutes, it's private, and your result comes with clear next steps.

~2 min9 questionsFree, no sign-upAnswers never leave your device
21MU.S. adults had a major depressive episode in 2021, about 8.3% (NIMH)
61%of them got treatment that year
PHQ-9A validated screener used in doctors' offices worldwide

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What is Mood Check?

Mood Check uses the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), a free, validated depression screener that doctors use around the world. It asks how often you've been bothered by nine common symptoms of depression over the last two weeks.

We chose a validated tool here instead of a fun quiz because depression deserves an accurate answer. There are no jokes and no score card to post, just your result and real next steps.

How to use the test

  1. Answer 9 questions about the last two weeks. Pick how often each problem has bothered you.
  2. See your score and what it means. Scores range from 0 to 27.
  3. Take the next step. Use the resources below your result, and share the test (not your score) with anyone who might need it.

How scores are grouped

0–4

Minimal

5–9

Mild

10–14

Moderate

15–19

Moderately severe

20–27

Severe

How we score it

Each answer scores 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day), for a total from 0 to 27. Scores of 5, 10, 15 and 20 mark the start of mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe ranges, the standard cut-offs from the original research by Kroenke, Spitzer and Williams (2001).

The PHQ-9 is in the public domain, and the questions appear exactly as published. Any answer other than 'Not at all' on question 9 shows crisis resources immediately, whatever the total score.

Frequently asked questions

Is the PHQ-9 accurate?

It's one of the most widely studied depression screeners and is used in primary care around the world. It's a screening tool, so a doctor still needs to confirm a diagnosis.

Why no funny mode on this test?

Depression is serious and the PHQ-9 is a clinical tool, so we keep this one straightforward.

What if I scored low but still feel bad?

Trust that. The PHQ-9 only covers the last two weeks and specific symptoms. It's always okay to talk to a doctor or therapist.

Do you save my answers?

No. Everything runs in your browser. Nothing you answer is sent to us or anyone else.

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Sources

  • Kroenke, Spitzer & Williams, Journal of General Internal Medicine, 2001: the PHQ-9 and its severity cut-offs.
  • National Institute of Mental Health: 21.0 million U.S. adults (8.3%) had at least one major depressive episode in 2021; 61.0% received treatment.