Patient Health Questionnaire-9 screens for depression and measures severity. 9 questions scored 0-3 based on frequency over past 2 weeks. Total 0-27.

What do the scores mean?

0-4: Minimal. 5-9: Mild. 10-14: Moderate. 15-19: Moderately severe. 20-27: Severe depression. Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms.

When should I refer to psychiatry?

Score ≥15, presence of suicidal ideation (question 9), failed treatment attempts, complex comorbidities, patient preference.

PHQ-9 is a screening tool, not diagnostic. A positive screen requires clinical evaluation to confirm MDD diagnosis using DSM-5 criteria.

Baseline, then every 2-4 weeks during treatment initiation. Use to track response. ≥50% reduction suggests response; score <5 suggests remission.

Patient Health Questionnaire for depression screening.

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by:

1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things

2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless

3. Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

4. Feeling tired or having little energy

5. Poor appetite or overeating

6. Feeling bad about yourself

7. Trouble concentrating

8. Moving/speaking slowly or fidgety/restless

9. Thoughts of self-harm or suicide*

PHQ-9 Score

Minimal Depression

No treatment typically needed. Rescreen periodically.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Use

What it calculates

Measures depression symptom severity using the PHQ-9, a 9-item questionnaire covering the prior two weeks.

When to use it

Use for depression screening in clinical and wellness contexts. Higher scores warrant follow-up assessment and safety evaluation.

Example

A PHQ-9 score of 15 or above is typically considered moderately severe and may indicate need for active treatment.

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