What is the PHQ-9?
The PHQ-9 is the depression module of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), a self-report version of the PRIME-MD diagnostic tool. It asks about the nine DSM criteria for major depression over the past two weeks—loss of interest, depressed mood, sleep problems, fatigue, appetite changes, guilt or worthlessness, trouble concentrating, slowed movement or restlessness, and thoughts of death or self-harm—each scored from "not at all" (0) to "nearly every day" (3). A short version using only the first two questions is the PHQ-2.
How are PHQ-9 scores interpreted?
- 0–4: minimal
- 5–9: mild depression
- 10–14: moderate depression
- 15–19: moderately severe depression
- 20–27: severe depression
These ranges were proposed in the original study (Kroenke et al., 2001). Any score of 1 or more on question 9 calls for an immediate suicide-risk assessment, regardless of the total.
Accuracy
The original study gave the PHQ-9 to 6,000 patients and compared 580 of them with interviews by mental health professionals; at a score of 10 or more, sensitivity and specificity for major depression were both 88%. A 2019 individual-participant-data meta-analysis in BMJ (58 studies, 17,357 people) found sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 85% at a cutoff of 10 compared with semi-structured interviews, and concluded the cutoff works regardless of age. For what sensitivity and specificity mean, see reliability and validity of measurement.
Screening vs. diagnosis
The PHQ-9 is a screening tool, so a score alone doesn't diagnose depression. Thyroid disease, anemia, medications and major losses can cause similar symptoms, so a clinician confirms with an interview. During treatment, changes in the score help track progress. One evidence-based treatment is described in Beck's cognitive therapy. In the US, if you're in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911 in an emergency.
This article is general health information and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist, see a doctor.
FAQ
- Can I take the PHQ-9 on my own?
- Yes, it's designed for self-report and is freely available, but share the results with a doctor or therapist—especially if you score 10 or higher or answer anything other than "not at all" on question 9.
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-25
References
- Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., & Williams, J. B. W. (2001). The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(9), 606–613.
- Levis, B., Benedetti, A., & Thombs, B. D. (2019). Accuracy of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for screening to detect major depression. BMJ, 365, l1476.