What is the PHQ-9 depression test?
The PHQ-9 depression test is a nine-question self-assessment that measures how often common depression symptoms have occurred during the last two weeks. Each answer receives 0 to 3 points, creating a total score from 0 to 27. The result can help you describe symptom frequency and decide whether to start a conversation with a qualified professional.
The questionnaire is widely used in healthcare and research because it is brief and structured. It asks about mood, interest, sleep, energy, appetite, self-worth, concentration, movement or restlessness, and thoughts of death or self-harm. It is sometimes used again during care to observe change over time.
A PHQ-9 score is not a diagnosis. Depression can overlap with grief, anxiety, bipolar conditions, medication effects, substance use, sleep disorders and physical health problems. A clinician considers your circumstances, daily functioning, medical history and safety—not only a number.
How to take the PHQ-9 online
Choose a reasonably private moment and think about the full previous two weeks. Do not answer only for your best day, your hardest day or how you feel this minute. For each question, select the option that most closely matches how often the symptom bothered you.
- Read all nine questions. Move slowly enough to understand each symptom.
- Use the two-week time frame. Choose Not at all, Several days, More than half the days or Nearly every day.
- Answer honestly. The purpose is useful reflection, not achieving a low score.
- Select Get My Score. The tool adds your responses and displays a symptom-severity band.
- Consider the next step. Look at distress, functioning and safety as well as the total.
If you are completing this depression symptoms test with a doctor or therapist, ask how they want you to share the result. If any wording is unclear or does not fit your experience, say so. A questionnaire should support a conversation, not replace it.
How PHQ-9 scoring works
Every response has a value: Not at all is 0, Several days is 1, More than half the days is 2, and Nearly every day is 3. Adding the nine responses gives a score between 0 and 27.
| Score | Common symptom band | Helpful interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 | Minimal | Notice changes and seek help if symptoms still disrupt life. |
| 5–9 | Mild | Consider support, monitoring and a professional conversation if persistent. |
| 10–14 | Moderate | A clinical assessment is advisable. |
| 15–19 | Moderately severe | Arrange timely professional assessment and support. |
| 20–27 | Severe | Seek prompt professional assessment; use urgent help if safety is at risk. |
What score suggests I should seek help?
A score of 10 or more is commonly used as a signal for further depression assessment, but you do not need to wait for a particular score to ask for help. Persistent distress, difficulty working or studying, withdrawal from relationships, or trouble caring for yourself all deserve attention. Even a low total can be important when one symptom is intense.
Why question 9 needs separate attention
The final item asks about thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself. Any response other than Not at all needs prompt follow-up with a trained professional, regardless of the total score. A screening answer does not show intent or immediate danger, so a human safety assessment matters.
If you feel unsafe or may harm yourself
Do not rely on this page in an emergency. Move away from anything you could use to hurt yourself, stay with another person if possible, and contact urgent help now.
- In India: call emergency services on 112. For free 24/7 tele-mental health support, call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 1-800-891-4416.
- Outside India: call your local emergency number or crisis service.
- Wherever you are: tell someone you trust in direct words, such as “I am not feeling safe and need you to stay with me.”
What your depression self-assessment can—and cannot—tell you
It can organise what you have noticed
Depression can make time and memory feel blurred. A structured two-week review gives you language for changes in interest, mood, sleep, energy and thinking. The score may make it easier to explain concerns to a doctor, psychologist, counsellor or trusted person.
It cannot identify the cause
The same symptom may have several explanations. Low energy can be related to depression, anaemia, thyroid problems, chronic illness, medication, sleep loss or sustained stress. Concentration difficulty can occur with anxiety, trauma, attention conditions and many other experiences. A proper assessment helps consider alternatives.
It cannot make treatment decisions
A score does not determine whether therapy, medication, lifestyle changes or another form of care is right for you. Those choices depend on symptom history, severity, preferences, health conditions, risk, access and professional guidance. Do not start, stop or change prescribed medication based only on an online result.
What to do after your PHQ-9 result
Start with the question: “How are these symptoms affecting my life?” Notice sleep, appetite, work or studies, relationships, hygiene, responsibilities and activities that usually matter to you. A total score is more useful when paired with concrete examples.
If symptoms are minimal or mild
Keep an eye on changes without dismissing your experience. Gentle routines around sleep, meals, movement, daylight and connection may support wellbeing, but they are not a substitute for care. If symptoms last, worsen or interfere with daily life, speak with a qualified professional.
If symptoms are moderate or higher
Arrange a clinical assessment. You can note the date, score and examples of what has changed. A primary-care doctor can also consider physical health contributors and refer you when needed. If accessing care feels difficult, ask a trusted person to help you make the call or attend an appointment.
If your answer to question 9 is positive
Contact a mental health professional promptly even when the total is low. If the thoughts feel immediate, you have a plan, or you are unsure you can stay safe, use emergency help now. Safety takes priority over finishing or repeating any questionnaire.
Why use the Mana AI PHQ-9 tool?
The Mana AI tool keeps the screening process simple: nine clearly presented questions, familiar response choices, immediate score calculation and a plain-language severity label. It is free to access in a web browser and can be used in India or worldwide.
The broader Mannasukh platform also offers tools that can help you prepare for a care conversation. Use the Mood Log to notice day-to-day patterns, the guided Journal to put experiences into words, or the GAD-7 anxiety screener when worry is also a concern. These tools support self-observation; they do not replace professional assessment.
Your mental health information is personal. Review the privacy policy, protect access on shared devices and avoid entering identifying information that is not needed. If you are signed in, platform records may be handled according to the account and privacy settings.
Common questions about the PHQ-9 depression test
What is the PHQ-9 depression test?
The PHQ-9 is a nine-item depression screening questionnaire. It asks how often common depressive symptoms have affected you during the past two weeks and produces a score from 0 to 27. It supports screening and symptom monitoring, but it does not diagnose depression.
Is the PHQ-9 an accurate diagnosis of depression?
No. The PHQ-9 is a validated screening and severity measure, not a stand-alone diagnosis. A qualified professional considers your answers, daily functioning, health history, other conditions and safety before making a diagnosis or recommending care.
How long does the PHQ-9 online test take?
Most people can complete the nine questions in about two to five minutes. Answer for the previous two weeks rather than only today, and choose the response that best reflects how often each symptom occurred.
How is a PHQ-9 score calculated?
Each answer is scored from 0 for not at all to 3 for nearly every day. The nine values are added for a total from 0 to 27. Common bands are 0–4 minimal, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe and 20–27 severe.
What PHQ-9 score may indicate depression?
A score of 10 or more is often used as a threshold for clinically significant depressive symptoms, but no score confirms a diagnosis by itself. Lower scores can still matter when symptoms cause distress, affect daily life or include thoughts of self-harm.
What should I do if I answer positively to question 9?
Treat any response other than not at all as important. Tell a trusted person and contact a qualified mental health professional promptly for a safety assessment. If you might act on these thoughts or cannot stay safe, call emergency services now; in India, dial 112.
Can I take the PHQ-9 repeatedly?
The PHQ-9 can be repeated to notice symptom changes, often with guidance from a clinician. Avoid taking it repeatedly in one day for reassurance. Use a consistent interval and discuss meaningful changes, worsening symptoms or safety concerns with a professional.
Can teenagers use the PHQ-9 depression test?
Adolescents may be screened with age-appropriate versions and professional interpretation, such as the PHQ-A. A parent, guardian, paediatrician or qualified mental health professional can help choose the right assessment and respond safely to concerning answers.
Is an online PHQ-9 test a substitute for therapy?
No. An online PHQ-9 is a brief self-assessment. Therapy or clinical care provides a fuller assessment, a personalised plan and direct support. You can save or note your result and use it to begin a conversation with a qualified professional.
Is the Mana AI PHQ-9 depression test free?
Yes. The Mana AI PHQ-9 tool is free to use in a modern web browser. Review the Mannasukh privacy policy for information about platform data practices, especially when using an account or a shared device.
Your result can be the start of a conversation
Whatever your score, you deserve support that considers the whole person—not only a questionnaire. Take the screening when you are ready, then choose a next step that fits your symptoms, functioning and safety.
Free self-screening • No diagnosis • India and worldwide access