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PHQ-9: Patient Health Questionnaire

Instructions: Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
Circle or select the number that best describes your experience for each item.

About the PHQ-9

Mental health has become a central focus in conversations about overall well-being—and for good reason. Depression affects millions of people worldwide, often going undiagnosed or untreated. That’s where tools like the PHQ-9 come in. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, a caregiver, or someone curious about their own mental health, understanding this quick assessment can make a big difference.

If you’ve ever visited a doctor or therapist and been asked a few questions about your mood or energy levels, chances are you’ve encountered the PHQ-9. Here’s what you need to know about this widely used mental health tool:

1. What the PHQ-9 Measures

The PHQ-9, short for Patient Health Questionnaire-9, is a clinically validated self-assessment tool designed to screen for symptoms of depression. It consists of nine straightforward questions that reflect the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder, according to the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).

Each question asks how often you’ve experienced a particular symptom—such as loss of interest in activities, trouble sleeping, or feeling hopeless—over the past two weeks. Responses are scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day), for a total possible score between 0 and 27.

It’s Designed to Spot Depression

The PHQ-9 screening tool is used to detect symptoms of depression. Each question is based on clinical criteria for diagnosing depression and asks about how often you’ve experienced certain symptoms—like feeling down, trouble sleeping, or low energy—over the past two weeks.

2.) Why It’s Widely Used

The PHQ-9 is brief, free, and easy to administer, making it one of the most widely used mental health screening tools in primary care, counseling settings, and even self-assessments. Its simplicity allows healthcare professionals to quickly identify patients who may benefit from further evaluation or treatment. Doctors, therapists, and even online mental health platforms use it regularly to help assess someone’s emotional wellbeing. It’s a great first step in starting a conversation about mental health.

3.) How to Interpret the Scores

Once the questionnaire is filled out, the total score can help determine the severity of depressive symptoms:

• 0–4: Minimal or no symptoms
• 5–9: Mild depression
• 10–14: Moderate depression
• 15–19: Moderately severe depression
• 20–27: Severe depression

A score of 10 or higher typically signals the need for a deeper evaluation by a mental health professional.

It’s important to note that while the PHQ-9 is a helpful screening tool, it’s not a diagnosis on its own. Only a licensed provider can make a clinical diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan.

The Bottom Line

Mental health check-ins shouldn’t be complicated—and that’s exactly why the PHQ-9 is such a valuable tool. It makes it easier to notice when something’s off, and helps people take the next step toward care. Whether you’re using it for yourself or someone you support, the PHQ-9 is a small but powerful way to start an important conversation.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, don’t hesitate to reach out to a licensed mental health professional. You’re not alone, and help is available.

Get in touch

We’re here to help.

A Child & Family Psychiatry, LLC.

750 Cross Pointe Road, Suite D.

Phone: (614) 768-2700

Email: [email protected]

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