MentisThe PHQ-9 was developed by Drs Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke and colleagues, with an educational grant from Pfizer Inc. No permission is required to reproduce, translate, display or distribute it.
- Nine questions about the last two weeks, each scored 0–3, for a total of 0–27.
- 0–4 minimal · 5–9 mild · 10–14 moderate · 15–19 moderately severe · 20–27 severe.
- 10 or more: talk to a professional. Any answer above "not at all" on question 9: please reach out today.
What is the PHQ-9?
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) asks about the nine symptoms doctors look for when they assess depression, over the last two weeks. It was published in 2001 and is now one of the most used mood questionnaires in the world. In the original study of 6,000 patients, a score of 10 or more identified major depression with 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity (Kroenke et al., 2001).
What your score means
| Score | Level | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 | Minimal | Keep the habits that hold you up. |
| 5–9 | Mild | Daily structure helps: steady sleep, daylight, movement, people. Retake in two weeks. |
| 10–14 | Moderate | Talk to a doctor or mental health professional. |
| 15–19 | Moderately severe | Please get professional support soon. |
| 20–27 | Severe | Reach out to a professional as soon as you can, and to someone you trust today. |
A score describes two weeks, not who you are. Grief, illness, exams or a brutal month at work can all push it up. The most useful thing is often to retake it in two weeks and see which way it's moving.
Am I depressed, or just tired, sad or burnt out?
They overlap, which is why they're easy to confuse. Sadness usually has a clear reason and lifts as things change. Burnout is tied to work: it eases on holiday and floods back on Sunday night. Depression tends to colour everything, most of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks or more, including things that used to feel good. If you're not sure which you're dealing with, that's exactly what a doctor or counsellor can help you sort out. Read more about burnout and work stress.
You're not the only one
India's National Mental Health Survey (2015–16) found that about 1 in 10 adults was living with a mental health condition, and that a large majority received no care at all (Gururaj et al., 2016). Low mood is common, it's not a weakness, and it responds to support. Asking for help early usually means feeling better sooner.
Small things that help low mood day to day
- Keep one fixed wake time, even after a bad night. It steadies your body clock and your mood with it. Try the sleep calculator.
- Get outside in daylight early in the day, even for ten minutes.
- Do one small thing you used to enjoy, before you feel like it. Motivation often follows action, not the other way round.
- Talk to one person, properly, not just a forward on WhatsApp.
- Write it down. Try our journal prompts for beginners.
Mentis can help you notice how your mood moves, day by day, with a two-minute check-in that shows it as weather. It's a wellness companion, not a treatment. If your score is moderate or higher, use it alongside professional support. Read our guide to depression for more.
Frequently asked questions
Am I depressed or just sad?
Sadness usually comes with a reason and eases with time. Depression tends to last most of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks or more, and takes the pleasure out of things you normally enjoy. The PHQ-9 asks about exactly those two weeks. Only a qualified professional can diagnose depression, but a score of 10 or more is a good reason to talk to one.
What does my PHQ-9 score mean?
0–4 is minimal, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe and 20–27 severe low mood symptoms over the last two weeks.
Why does question 9 show a help box straight away?
Question 9 asks about thoughts of death or self-harm. Any answer other than 'not at all' matters more than the total score, so we show ways to reach someone right away. Tele-MANAS (14416) is free, 24×7 and confidential.
Is my data stored?
No. The score is calculated in your browser. Nothing is saved or sent.
How accurate is the PHQ-9?
In its original validation, a score of 10 or more identified major depression with 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity. It's a screening tool, not a diagnosis.
- Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JBW. (2001). The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine 16(9):606–613.
- Gururaj G et al. (2016). National Mental Health Survey of India, 2015–16: Summary. NIMHANS, Bengaluru.
- World Health Organization. Depressive disorder (depression), fact sheet.
- Tele-MANAS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.