The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire, 9-item) is a validated self-report depression screening tool developed by Kroenke, Spitzer, and Williams in 2001. It assesses the nine DSM criteria for major depressive disorder over the past two weeks and is the most widely used depression screening instrument in primary care globally.

Is the PHQ-9 a diagnosis?

No. The PHQ-9 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A high score indicates that depressive symptoms are present at a clinically significant level and that professional evaluation is recommended. A formal diagnosis requires assessment by a qualified mental health professional.

What should I do if I score high on the PHQ-9?

If you score 10 or above, speak with a GP or mental health professional. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, contact a crisis helpline immediately. In India: iCall 9152987821, Vandrevala Foundation 1860-2662-345, AASRA 9820466627.

PHQ-9 Depression Screen — Patient Health Questionnaire

PHQ-9 Result · Yukti Labs

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If you are in distress or having thoughts of self-harm

Your responses suggest you may be experiencing significant distress. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out for support immediately. Help is available and effective treatment exists.

iCall India — 9152987821 (Mon–Sat, 8am–10pm) Vandrevala Foundation — 1860-2662-345 (24/7) AASRA — 9820466627 (24/7) Speak with your GP or a mental health professional

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Screening tool — not a diagnosis

The PHQ-9 is a validated screening instrument. A high score does not confirm Major Depressive Disorder — it indicates symptoms are present at a level warranting clinical evaluation. Only a qualified mental health professional can provide a formal diagnosis. If your score is moderate or above, speaking with a GP or psychiatrist is the recommended next step.

Track Over Time

The PHQ-9 measures change over time. Retaking every 2–4 weeks tracks whether symptoms are improving, worsening, or stable.

Related assessments

GAD-7 Anxiety Screen

Depression and anxiety co-occur in over 50% of cases

Burnout Assessment

Burnout and depression share key symptoms and often coexist

Big Five Personality

High Neuroticism is the strongest personality predictor of depression

The Void Map

What inner needs are going unmet beneath depressive patterns

About the PHQ-9 Depression Scale

The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire, 9-item) was developed by Robert Kroenke, Kurt Spitzer, and Janet Williams and published in 2001. It directly assesses the nine criteria for major depressive disorder as defined in the DSM and is now the most widely used depression screening instrument in primary care worldwide, used across the UK, US, India, and over 80 countries.

PHQ-9 scoring and clinical thresholds

Each item is scored 0–3, with a maximum score of 27. Cut-points: 1–4 minimal, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, 20–27 severe depression. A score of 10 or above has a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 88% for major depressive disorder. The PHQ-9 also includes a functional impairment item assessing how much symptoms are affecting daily life.

Related tools on Yukti Labs

→GAD-7 Anxiety Screen — depression and anxiety are comorbid in over 50% of cases; screen for both for a complete picture
→Burnout Assessment — workplace burnout and depression share significant symptom overlap and bidirectional causation
→Attachment Style Test — insecure attachment, particularly disorganised, significantly elevates depression risk
→Pranayama Guide — breathwork has emerging evidence as a supportive intervention in mild to moderate depression

Yukti Labs · yuktilabs.in · Psychology · Self-Knowledge · Inner Science · This tool is for screening purposes only. If you are in crisis, please contact a helpline immediately.

PHQ-9 Depression Scale

The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is the most widely used depression screening instrument in the world, validated across dozens of populations and languages. Developed by Kroenke, Spitzer, and Williams (2001), it directly assesses the nine diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder as defined in the DSM.

What PHQ-9 Measures

Frequency over the past two weeks of: anhedonia, depressed mood, sleep disturbance, fatigue, appetite changes, guilt or worthlessness, concentration difficulty, psychomotor changes, and suicidal ideation. The final item (suicidal thoughts) is assessed regardless of total score.

Score Interpretation

0–4: Minimal · 5–9: Mild · 10–14: Moderate · 15–19: Moderately severe · 20–27: Severe. A score of 10+ has sensitivity and specificity above 88% for major depression. Clinical follow-up is recommended at 10 and above.

Crisis Resources

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out immediately. iCall (India): 9152987821. Vandrevala Foundation: 1860-2662-345 (24/7). International Association for Suicide Prevention: https://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres/

The Vedic Perspective

Depression in Vedic psychology corresponds to Tamas — the quality of heaviness, inertia, and obscuration — when it overtakes the mind-body system. The classical antidotes are Rajasic activity to break inertia, followed by Sattvic practices to establish clarity. This progression (Tamas → Rajas → Sattva) is foundational to Ayurvedic mental health treatment.

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