The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a 9-question validated screening tool used to assess the severity of depression. It is used worldwide by GPs, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Each question scores 0-3, giving a total score of 0-27. It is not a diagnosis — it is a screening tool to help guide clinical conversations.

What do PHQ-9 scores mean?

PHQ-9 scores are interpreted as: 0-4 minimal depression, 5-9 mild depression, 10-14 moderate depression, 15-19 moderately severe depression, 20-27 severe depression. A score of 10 or above generally warrants further clinical assessment. Your GP can discuss what your score means in the context of your overall health.

Can I diagnose depression with the PHQ-9?

No. The PHQ-9 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. A high score suggests you may be experiencing depression and should discuss it with your GP, but a clinical diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment including your medical history, symptoms, duration, and impact on daily functioning.

PHQ-9 Depression Screening

A validated 9-question tool measuring depression severity. Used worldwide by GPs and mental health professionals.

📋 Source: PHQ-9 (Kroenke et al., JGIM 2001). phqscreeners.com. Validated screening tool for depression severity. Public domain — no permission required.
Your doctor or healthcare provider knows your history and circumstances — always follow their personalised advice over general information.

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems? Your responses are completely private — nothing is stored or sent anywhere.

Question 1 of 9 0%

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a validated self-report tool that screens for depression and measures its severity. Developed by Kroenke, Spitzer, and Williams (2001), it is based on the 9 diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder in the DSM-5.

Unlike the K10 (which measures general psychological distress), the PHQ-9 specifically targets depression and provides a severity score that can track treatment response over time. This makes it particularly useful for monitoring patients already receiving treatment.

The PHQ-9 is free to use, available in over 30 languages, and is one of the most widely used depression measures in primary care worldwide.

K10: Measures non-specific psychological distress (a mix of depression, anxiety, and other distress). Used in Australia for Mental Health Care Plan assessments. Scores 10–50.

PHQ-9: Specifically measures depression severity based on DSM-5 criteria. Better for tracking depression treatment response over time. Scores 0–27 with clear severity bands.

Both are valuable. The K10 is better as an initial broad screen, while the PHQ-9 is better for focused depression assessment and monitoring. Many GPs use the K10 for initial assessment and the PHQ-9 for follow-up.

If you or someone you know needs support:

Lifeline: 13 11 14 — 24/7 crisis support

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 — depression and anxiety support

13YARN: 13 92 76 — for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 — for young people aged 5–25

MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 — support for men

In an emergency, call 000.