PHQ-9 Depression Screener
Rate how often each symptom has bothered you during the past two weeks. This is a screening instrument, not a diagnosis or emergency assessment.
1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things.
2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless.
3. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much.
4. Feeling tired or having little energy.
5. Poor appetite or overeating.
6. Feeling bad about yourself, or that you have let yourself or your family down.
7. Trouble concentrating on things such as reading or watching television.
8. Moving or speaking much more slowly than usual, or feeling unusually restless.
9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way.
Answer all nine items to calculate the total.
How scoring works
Answers are scored from 0 to 3, giving a total from 0 to 27. Severity ranges support screening and follow-up; they do not establish a diagnosis.
Why item 9 is handled immediately
That answer does not reveal current intent, a plan, access to means, or immediate danger. It should prompt timely human follow-up rather than waiting for the final total.
Methodology
Review the official PHQ Screeners resources and seek professional interpretation when symptoms or functioning are concerning.