Depression Screener
Answer 9 questions to assess the level of depressive symptoms over the last two weeks
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a definitive diagnosis?
What do the scores mean (PHQ-9)?
What should I do if my score is high?
🔗 Related Checks
Understanding the PHQ-9 Depression Scale
Depression is more than just feeling sad; it’s a medical condition that affects how you think, feel, and function daily. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is the standard clinical tool used globally by primary care physicians and specialists to measure the severity of depressive symptoms. It was developed in the early 2000s and has since become the gold standard in behavioral health screening.
Measuring Depressive Symptoms over Time
The 9 questions specifically target the criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as defined in the DSM-IV/DSM-5. By identifying the frequency of these symptoms (such as loss of interest, sleep issues, or difficulty concentrating), the PHQ-9 allows clinicians to determine a severity score. This numeric value is especially useful for tracking whether treatments like therapy or medication are successfully reducing symptoms over weeks or months.
When and How to Use the PHQ-9
The tool can be used periodically (e.g., every 4 weeks) as you go through treatment or as a starting point for your first mental health consultation. If you’ve been feeling “off” for more than two weeks, taking this screener and sharing the results with your doctor can drastically speed up the diagnostic process and help you get the support you need.
Understanding the PHQ-9 Depression Scale
Depression is more than just feeling sad; it’s a medical condition that affects how you think, feel, and function daily. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is the standard clinical tool used globally by primary care physicians and specialists to measure the severity of depressive symptoms. It was developed in the early 2000s and has since become the gold standard in behavioral health screening.
Measuring Depressive Symptoms over Time
The 9 questions specifically target the criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as defined in the DSM-IV/DSM-5. By identifying the frequency of these symptoms (such as loss of interest, sleep issues, or difficulty concentrating), the PHQ-9 allows clinicians to determine a severity score. This numeric value is especially useful for tracking whether treatments like therapy or medication are successfully reducing symptoms over weeks or months.
When and How to Use the PHQ-9
The tool can be used periodically (e.g., every 4 weeks) as you go through treatment or as a starting point for your first mental health consultation. If you’ve been feeling “off” for more than two weeks, taking this screener and sharing the results with your doctor can drastically speed up the diagnostic process and help you get the support you need.