About the PHQ-9 Depression Self-Assessment
The PHQ-9 Depression Self-Assessment is a free, AI-guided PHQ-9 depression test that walks you through the nine standard PHQ-9 questions, scores your answers, and gives you a personalized interpretation of your PHQ-9 result. The PHQ-9 is the most widely used depression screening tool in the world, and this AI-powered version makes taking the PHQ-9 depression test as simple as having a conversation. After you finish the PHQ-9, the AI analyzes your PHQ-9 score and explains what your PHQ-9 result may mean for you.
What Is the PHQ-9 Depression Self-Assessment?
The PHQ-9, or Patient Health Questionnaire-9, is a nine-item self-report questionnaire that measures depression severity over the past two weeks. Each PHQ-9 question asks how often you have been bothered by a specific symptom, and the PHQ-9 answers are scored from 0 to 3. The total PHQ-9 score ranges from 0 to 27, and that PHQ-9 score is grouped into PHQ-9 severity bands from minimal to severe. The PHQ-9 is used by clinicians, researchers, and individuals because the PHQ-9 is short, validated, and reliable.
This online PHQ-9 depression test is an AI-guided version of the standard PHQ-9. Instead of a plain form, the PHQ-9 is delivered as a conversation: the AI introduces each PHQ-9 question in a warm, supportive way, you pick the PHQ-9 answer that fits you best, and the PHQ-9 score is computed automatically. The AI then interprets the PHQ-9 result and writes a personalized summary of your PHQ-9 depression screening.
Why Take a PHQ-9 Depression Test?
Depression is common, but many people never get screened. Taking a PHQ-9 depression test is a quick first step toward understanding how you have been feeling. The PHQ-9 gives you a concrete number — your PHQ-9 score — instead of a vague sense that something is off, and the PHQ-9 severity band tells you whether your PHQ-9 result falls in the minimal, mild, moderate, moderately severe, or severe range.
Because the PHQ-9 is standardized, your PHQ-9 score means the same thing no matter where you take the PHQ-9. You can retake the PHQ-9 over time and compare PHQ-9 scores to see whether things are improving. The AI PHQ-9 also turns your PHQ-9 result into plain language, so you do not just get a number — you get an interpretation of what the PHQ-9 score suggests and what you might do next.
How the PHQ-9 Test Works
The PHQ-9 depression test is delivered one question at a time. The AI presents each of the nine PHQ-9 questions with a brief, empathetic lead-in, then you select one of four PHQ-9 answer options: not at all, several days, more than half the days, or nearly every day. Each PHQ-9 answer carries a value from 0 to 3, and the PHQ-9 score is the sum of all nine PHQ-9 answers.
The PHQ-9 scoring is done on your device, not by the AI, so the PHQ-9 score is always exact. Once all nine PHQ-9 questions are answered, the AI receives your PHQ-9 score and PHQ-9 severity band and writes a supportive interpretation. The PHQ-9 result card can then be downloaded or shared, so you can keep your PHQ-9 result or show it to a healthcare professional.
Understanding Your PHQ-9 Score
The PHQ-9 score is grouped into five PHQ-9 severity bands. A PHQ-9 score of 0–4 is minimal, 5–9 is mild, 10–14 is moderate, 15–19 is moderately severe, and 20–27 is severe. These PHQ-9 bands are the standard cutoffs used in clinical practice, so your PHQ-9 result is comparable to a PHQ-9 you might take at a clinic.
A higher PHQ-9 score means more frequent or more numerous depression symptoms over the past two weeks, not a definite diagnosis. The PHQ-9 last question asks about thoughts of self-harm; if any PHQ-9 answer to that item is non-zero, the AI will gently encourage professional support. Your PHQ-9 interpretation is educational, and the PHQ-9 score is best discussed with a qualified clinician when the PHQ-9 result is moderate or higher.
Who Should Take the PHQ-9?
The PHQ-9 depression test is for anyone who wants a quick, structured check on their mood over the past two weeks. You might take the PHQ-9 if you have been feeling low, if you lost interest in things you usually enjoy, or if you simply want a baseline PHQ-9 score to track over time. The PHQ-9 is also useful before a doctor's visit, because you can share your PHQ-9 result.
The PHQ-9 is not only for people who are clearly depressed. Many people take the PHQ-9 as a routine self-check, and a low PHQ-9 score can be reassuring. Because the PHQ-9 is fast and free, there is little reason not to take the PHQ-9 when you are curious about how you have been doing.
Tips Before Taking the PHQ-9 Depression Test
Answer every PHQ-9 question honestly — the PHQ-9 only works when your PHQ-9 answers reflect the past two weeks, not your best or worst day. Find a quiet moment to take the PHQ-9, and think about each PHQ-9 item before you choose. The PHQ-9 takes about three minutes, so the PHQ-9 is easy to fit into a day.
After the PHQ-9, read your PHQ-9 interpretation with self-compassion. A PHQ-9 score is a snapshot, not a verdict. If your PHQ-9 result suggests moderate or severe symptoms, or if the PHQ-9 self-harm item is non-zero, please reach out to a healthcare professional. The PHQ-9 is a starting point, and your PHQ-9 result can guide the next conversation you have about your mental health.
PHQ-9 Depression Self-Assessment FAQ
Is the PHQ-9 depression test a medical diagnosis?
No. The PHQ-9 is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. A PHQ-9 score suggests whether depression symptoms may be present and how severe they might be, but only a qualified clinician can diagnose depression. Use your PHQ-9 result as a starting point for that conversation.
How long does the PHQ-9 take?
The PHQ-9 has nine questions and usually takes about three minutes. Because the AI PHQ-9 delivers one question at a time, you can move through the PHQ-9 at your own pace and reflect on each PHQ-9 answer.
Can I retake the PHQ-9 to track changes?
Yes. The PHQ-9 is designed to measure the past two weeks, so you can retake the PHQ-9 every couple of weeks and compare PHQ-9 scores over time to see whether your PHQ-9 result is improving.
Is my PHQ-9 result private?
Your PHQ-9 answers are sent only to generate your PHQ-9 interpretation and are not stored on a server. The PHQ-9 score is computed in your browser, and you can download or delete your PHQ-9 result card at any time.
This self-assessment is for educational purposes only and is not a medical diagnosis. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact a healthcare professional or your local emergency services immediately.