Free PHQ-9 Depression Test
Check your depression symptoms — free, anonymous and instant. Takes about 3 minutes.
The PHQ-9 — clinically validated depression screening tool used by GPs and NHS services
PHQ-9 — Patient Health Questionnaire-9
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a scientifically validated depression screener developed by Kroenke, Spitzer and Williams (2001), evaluating 9 core symptoms of major depressive disorder. It produces a score from 0 to 27 and is the most widely used depression screening tool worldwide, including by NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT).
- 9 clinically validated questions — global standard for depression screening
- Takes about 3 minutes to complete
- 100% free and anonymous — no email or account required
- Instant results with English-language interpretation
- Used by NHS IAPT services and GPs across the UK
- 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity for major depression
About the online depression test
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is the most widely used depression screening tool in the world. Developed by the same team that created the GAD-7, this free depression test measures the symptoms of major depressive disorder.
The test asks how often you have been bothered by 9 key symptoms over the last 2 weeks, and gives you a score that helps you decide whether your level of depression might benefit from professional support.
Time
3 minutes
Questions
9 questions
Score range
0 - 27
Validation
NHS standard
Important: This test does not provide a diagnosis. It is a screening tool that helps you decide whether it would be useful to speak to a professional about depression.
Why take the PHQ-9?
Clarity about your mood
Tell whether you're feeling down or experiencing depression
Instant, anonymous result
No email, no waiting, no account
Personalised guidance
Concrete next steps based on your score
Track changes over time
See how your mood evolves
How does the depression test work?
Answer 9 questions
Each asks how often a symptom has bothered you in the last 2 weeks.
Get your score
A score from 0 to 27 with a clear interpretation.
Take action
Personalised next steps and depression-management resources.
Example questions from the depression test
Here are 6 of the 9 questions in the PHQ-9. Each measures a specific symptom of depression.
Little interest or pleasure in doing things
Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
Feeling tired or having little energy
Poor appetite or overeating
Feeling bad about yourself — or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down
These are 6 of the 9 questions. The full test covers all symptoms of major depression.
What does the PHQ-9 measure?
The PHQ-9 covers 9 core symptoms of major depressive disorder.
Anhedonia
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
Depressed mood
Feeling sad, empty or hopeless
Sleep problems
Insomnia or sleeping too much
Fatigue
Lack of energy, feeling exhausted
Appetite changes
Eating too little or too much
Low self-worth
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or being a failure
Concentration problems
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
Psychomotor changes
Moving or speaking unusually slowly, or restlessness
Suicidal ideation
Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of self-harm
Who is the depression test for?
The test is useful if you:
- •Have been feeling down, sad or hopeless for a while
- •Find you no longer enjoy things you used to enjoy
- •Notice changes in sleep, appetite or energy
- •Want to monitor progress while in treatment for depression
Did you know?
Depression and anxiety often co-occur. If you have low mood, it can be useful to take the GAD-7 anxiety test for a fuller picture.
Take the anxiety testHow the PHQ-9 score is interpreted
The total score ranges from 0 to 27. Higher scores indicate more severe depression.
What does this test NOT measure?
The PHQ-9 is NOT:
- ✕A bipolar disorder diagnostic — bipolar needs specialist assessment
- ✕A test for postnatal depression specifically — the EPDS is more appropriate
- ✕A grief or bereavement diagnostic — these are different processes
- ✕A replacement for professional assessment — it's a starting point
Depression is treatable
The good news: depression responds very well to treatment. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) are highly effective and widely offered by registered UK therapists, including through NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT).
Learn more about depression therapyFrequently asked questions about the depression test
What is the PHQ-9 depression test?
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a scientifically validated depression screening tool developed by Kroenke, Spitzer and Williams. It contains 9 questions that evaluate symptoms of depression over the past 2 weeks. It is widely used by GPs, NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT), and clinicians worldwide.
How long does the online depression test take?
The PHQ-9 takes about 3 minutes to complete. The questions are simple and ask how often you have been bothered by each symptom over the last 2 weeks. You answer on a scale from "Not at all" to "Nearly every day", and your results are shown instantly.
Is the depression test free and anonymous?
Yes — the test is 100% free and anonymous. We do not ask for your name, email or any personal data to show you your results. You can complete the test without creating an account.
How is the PHQ-9 score interpreted?
The PHQ-9 score ranges from 0 to 27: 0-4 = minimal/none, 5-9 = mild depression, 10-14 = moderate depression, 15-19 = moderately severe depression, 20-27 = severe depression. A score of 10 or above is the standard cut-off for major depression and suggests it would be helpful to speak to a professional.
What's the difference between feeling sad and being depressed?
Sadness is a normal emotion that comes and goes — usually triggered by a specific event and lifting once that event passes. Depression is more persistent: it lasts most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks, and affects many areas of life (sleep, energy, concentration, self-worth). The PHQ-9 helps you tell the difference.
Can the PHQ-9 diagnose depression?
No — the PHQ-9 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. An official diagnosis of depression can only be made by a mental health professional (registered with HCPC, BACP, BPS or UKCP) following a full assessment. The test helps you decide whether to seek help.
What should I do if I score high on the depression test?
If your score is 10 or above, we recommend speaking to a mental health professional. Your GP can refer you to NHS Talking Therapies (free), or you can find a private therapist. On MatchyMatch you can find verified UK therapists who specialise in depression and book a free 15-minute discovery call. Depression responds very well to evidence-based treatment such as CBT.
Should I retake the PHQ-9 over time?
Yes — the PHQ-9 is designed to be repeated. Many people retake it weekly or monthly to monitor their depression. If you are in therapy, your therapist may use the PHQ-9 to track your progress. NHS IAPT services use the PHQ-9 routinely to measure outcomes.
What if I answer yes to question 9 (thoughts of self-harm)?
Please reach out for help. Call your GP, NHS 111, or in an emergency, 999 or A&E. The Samaritans (116 123) are available free, 24/7 and confidential. The SHOUT crisis text line (text 85258) is also free and 24/7. Thoughts of suicide are a medical emergency and treatable — you don't have to go through this alone.
Ready to learn more about your mood?
Start the PHQ-9 now and get instant results with personalised guidance.
Start the depression testRelated psychological tests
Depression often appears alongside other conditions. These tests can help build a fuller picture.
If your symptoms feel overwhelming or you are having thoughts of self-harm, please call 999, NHS 111, or the Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7). On MatchyMatch you can also find UK therapists who specialise in depression, with the first 15-minute discovery call free.