PHQ-9
DEPRESSIONPatient Health Questionnaire 9
Depression screening questionnaire
9 questions·ende
Response Scale
0Not at all
1Several days
2More than half the days
3Nearly every day
Questions
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by:
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 are a failure or have let yourself or your family down
7
Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television
8
Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed? Or the opposite — being so fidgety or restless
9
Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself in some way
Scoring
Method: Sum Score
Max Score: 27
Severity Ranges
Minimal0–4
Mild5–9
Moderate10–14
Moderately Severe15–19
Severe20–27
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PHQ-9?
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a 9-item self-report questionnaire that screens for and measures the severity of depression. It is based on the DSM diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder.
How is the PHQ-9 scored?
Each of the 9 items is scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day), giving a total score range of 0–27. Scores of 5, 10, 15, and 20 represent cut-offs for mild, moderate, moderately severe, and severe depression.
How often should the PHQ-9 be administered?
For routine outcome monitoring, the PHQ-9 is typically administered at every session or every 2 weeks. The recall period covers the past 2 weeks, making biweekly administration ideal for tracking change.
Is the PHQ-9 free to use?
Yes. The PHQ-9 is in the public domain. No permission is required to reproduce, translate, display, or distribute it. It was developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, and Kurt Kroenke.
Can the PHQ-9 be used to diagnose depression?
The PHQ-9 is a screening and severity measure, not a standalone diagnostic tool. A score of 10 or above has good sensitivity and specificity for major depression, but clinical diagnosis requires a comprehensive clinical interview.
