Depression Test (PHQ-9 Screener)

The PHQ-9 is the criterion-standard 9-item depression screener used in primary care and behavioral health worldwide. PHQ-9 ≥10 = moderate depression (sensitivity 88%, specificity 88%). Score 0–27 across 5 severity levels. Kroenke, Spitzer & Williams (2001). Free for clinical use.

Am I Depressed? What Depression Actually Feels Like

Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) is one of the most common and most disabling mental health conditions in the world. It is characterized by a persistent low mood or loss of interest or pleasure (anhedonia) in nearly all activities, lasting at least two weeks, representing a change from previous functioning. Unlike normal sadness, which is a temporary emotional response to life circumstances, clinical depression persists, causes significant impairment, and often occurs without an obvious external cause.

Depression presents differently in different people. Some experience overwhelming sadness; others describe feeling "empty," "numb," or "just going through the motions." Many report significant cognitive changes, difficulty concentrating, slowed thinking, indecisiveness, as well as physical changes such as disrupted sleep (insomnia or hypersomnia), appetite changes, and fatigue that doesn't improve with rest. Men more often present with irritability, anger, and risk-taking behavior rather than overt sadness.

The most validated tool for depression screening and monitoring is the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), developed by Kroenke, Spitzer, and Williams (2001) and endorsed by major clinical guidelines including the USPSTF. A PHQ-9 score of 10 or above has sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 88% for major depression, meaning it accurately identifies most people with depression while rarely misidentifying those without it. The PHQ-9 is free for clinical and research use.

PHQ-9 Depression Screener

Rate how often you've been bothered by each of the following problems over the last 2 weeks. PHQ-9 is free for clinical and non-commercial use.

PHQ-9 Item 9 (Suicidality)

PHQ-9 © Pfizer Inc. Free for clinical and non-commercial research use. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) promptly. This screener does not replace clinical evaluation.

PHQ-9 Score Reference

Kroenke, Spitzer & Williams (2001). PHQ-9 ≥10 is the standard clinical cutoff. Scores should be interpreted alongside clinical context, longitudinal change, and functional impairment.

Score Interpretation

DSM-5-TR MDD Criteria

Types of Depressive Disorders

Depression Assessment Tools

Depression has some of the highest treatment response rates of any mental health condition. Psychotherapy (CBT, Behavioral Activation, IPT, Problem-Solving Therapy) and antidepressant medication (SSRIs, SNRIs) each achieve response in approximately 50–60% of people with MDD; combining both increases response rates further. For treatment-resistant depression, augmentation strategies, ECT, and TMS have strong evidence. Recovery is achievable, persistent effort to find the right approach is well supported by evidence.

Depression Outcome Monitoring in HiBoop

PHQ-9, PHQ-2, GAD-7, and integrated mood outcome tracking, used by primary care, psychiatry, and behavioral health programs to monitor treatment response and care quality.