PHQ-9 Score Depression Test

This PHQ-9 Score is a depression test questionnaire that can be self-administered.

This self report diagnosis tool evaluates the severity of depressive symptoms based on criteria from the DSM-IV guidelines. The patient is asked to review the past two weeks in respect to experiencing the following:
■ Losing interest in activities usually performed with pleasure.
■ Experiencing feelings of hopelessness, depression.
■ Sleep problems from falling asleep to too much sleep.
■ Lack of energy and feeling exhausted.
■ Eating disorders from lack or too much appetite.
■ Feelings of disappointment and lack of confidence.
■ Lack of concentration in simple actions.
■ Restlessness or extreme fatigue.
■ Self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
Each of the nine items are rated on the following scale:
■ Not at all (0 points);
■ Several days (1 point);
■ More than half the days (2 points);
■ Nearly every day (3 points).

Result interpretation
The overall PHQ-9 result ranges between 0 and 27. Patients scoring closer to 0 are less likely to exhibit symptoms associated with depression, whilst patients scoring closer to 27 are experiencing severe depressive symptoms.
The table below introduces the 4 severity stages and clinical recommendations:
Score Severity Recommendations
0 - 4 None No specific recommendations
5 - 9 Mild Monitoring symptoms
10 - 19 Moderate Referring for treatment
20 - 27 Severe Starting treatment and monitoring
The cut off values are at 5, 10 and 20 points. Scores above 10 are considered to indicate moderate to severe depression with 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity.

Disclaimer: Always seek a doctor’s advice in addition to using this app and before making any medical decisions. This app should NOT be considered as a substitute for professional medical service, NOR as a substitute for clinical judgement.