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Patient Health 
Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

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A Simple Step to Screen Your Wellbeing

Medically reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez

Latest Updated 17 March 2026

The PHQ-9 questionnaire is a quick, self-completed tool used to screen for and monitor depression. Answering nine simple questions about your mood and daily life over the past two weeks provides an easy snapshot of your mental health and can help guide a conversation with your healthcare provider. The PHQ-9 is designed for anyone who wants a practical way to check in on their wellbeing using an evidence-based PHQ 9 scale.

Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

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
Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television
Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed? Or the opposite — being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual
Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way

Accessibility and Privacy

The PHQ-9 questionnaire is designed to be accessible for everyone. Alternative versions and support are available for people with disabilities or who need assistance. Your privacy is respected at every stage: responses are confidential and never shared without your consent. 

What Does Your PHQ-9 Score Mean?

Your PHQ-9 score interpretation offers a quick way to understand your current level of depression symptoms using the standard PHQ 9 scoring system. Each score band below represents how your results are typically viewed on the PHQ 9 scale, helping you see what your score may mean and when further action or support might be needed.

0-4

Minimal Depression

This score range suggests minimal or no depression symptoms. Often, no specific action is required, but monitoring your wellbeing over time can be helpful. 

5-9

Mild Depression

Mild symptoms may be present. Watchful waiting and self-care are usually recommended, with follow-up assessment if symptoms persist or worsen.

10-14

Moderate Depression

Moderate symptoms are likely. Consider seeking support or a treatment plan, which can include counseling and/or talking to your healthcare provider.

15-19

Moderately Severe Depression

Symptoms at this level may start interfering with daily life and functioning. A more structured treatment approach is usually advised, and direct professional support is recommended.

20-27

Severe Depression

Severe symptoms often require prompt, comprehensive support from mental health professionals. Reaching out as soon as possible can help with safety and recovery. 

The Edinburgh postnatal depression scale is intended for monitoring, not for a formal diagnosis, follow-up with a qualified professional is always recommended for any concerning score. Repeating the test over time or whenever symptoms change can provide helpful insights and prompt timely postnatal depression support.

Limitations of the PHQ-9

While the PHQ-9 questionnaire is a widely validated screening tool, it has several limitations.

Specific Clinical Focus

The PHQ 9 scale screens only for depression, so it may miss other mental health conditions, such as certain anxiety disorders or complex psychiatric comorbidities.

Snapshot Accuracy

Results can be influenced by how a person is feeling on the day they complete the test, and it does not replace a full clinical assessment by a qualified professional.

Guide, Not Diagnosis

The PHQ-9 score is a guide, not a diagnosis. Discuss results with a healthcare provider, especially if symptoms are persistent or severe.

When to Seek Help?

Your results from the PHQ-9 questionnaire are a starting point for understanding your mental health, but they do not replace professional advice. If you score in the moderate, moderately severe, or severe range on the PHQ 9 scale, or if you have any thoughts of self-harm or persistent distress, regardless of your PHQ-9 score interpretation; it’s important to reach out to your GP, mental health services, or a helpline for support.

Even if your score is low, but your symptoms are affecting your work, relationships, or day-to-day activities, seeking help is a positive step. Remember, the PHQ 9 scoring  system highlights when extra support could make a real difference, always trust your instincts, and seek support when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the PHQ-9 questionnaire used for?

The PHQ-9 questionnaire screens for depression symptoms and provides a measure of severity. It is commonly used in primary care, mental health, and self-assessment settings to guide diagnosis, monitor progress, and help with treatment planning.

Anyone experiencing changes in mood, energy, or interest in activities can use the PHQ-9 as a first step to understand their mental health. It can also be given as part of regular checkups or for those at higher risk of depression.

Your total score falls within bands that indicate minimal, mild, moderate, moderate, moderately severe, or severe depression. Higher scores reflect greater severity, but interpretation and next steps should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.

No, the PHQ-9 helps identify symptoms, but it does not provide a formal diagnosis. Only a qualified clinician can diagnose depression, taking into account your experiences, medical history, and other factors.

If you answer positively to thoughts of self-harm or suicide, seek help immediately from your GP or a mental health crisis line (116 123, or you can also call NHS 111 and select the mental health option). Question 9 is a safety check requiring urgent attention. 

Yes, we ensure that your PHQ-9 responses are confidential and never shared without consent. Always check for privacy information on the website.

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