Depression Test (PHQ-9)
A widely used, validated depression screener.
Published by the Healthio+ editorial team · Based on PHQ-9 — released copyright-free by Pfizer; the standard primary-care depression screener.
How we build our tests →Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following? Answer honestly — nothing you enter is saved or linked to you.
This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Results are for self-reflection only. Only a licensed professional can diagnose a condition.
0 of 9 answered
About the Depression Test (PHQ-9)
This test is a free, anonymous online screening you can complete in about three minutes. It has 9 questions and is adapted from PHQ-9 — released copyright-free by Pfizer; the standard primary-care depression screener. Your answers are scored privately in your browser — nothing is saved or linked to you — and you get an instant result framed for self-reflection rather than as a diagnosis.
Who is this test for?
Anyone who has been noticing these feelings or patterns and wants a structured, private way to reflect on them. It's a starting point for people wondering whether what they're experiencing is worth paying attention to — not a way to label or diagnose yourself. It is not suitable for anyone in crisis or in need of urgent help — if that's you, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis line right away.
How to read your results
Minimal (score 0–4)
Your responses suggest minimal or no signs of depression right now.
Mild (score 5–9)
Your responses suggest mild depressive symptoms. Keeping an eye on this, and basic self-care, is reasonable.
Moderate (score 10–14)
Your responses suggest moderate depressive symptoms. This is a common point at which talking to a doctor or therapist really helps.
Moderately severe (score 15–19)
Your responses suggest moderately severe depressive symptoms. Please consider reaching out to a mental-health professional soon.
Severe (score 20–27)
Your responses suggest severe depressive symptoms. You deserve support — please talk to a doctor or mental-health professional, and use the resources above if you need someone now.
Where this test comes from
This screening is adapted from PHQ-9 — released copyright-free by Pfizer; the standard primary-care depression screener. We keep the original questions and validated scoring intact and add plain-language explanations of what each result means. You can read our full process, including how we handle sources and sensitive topics, in how we build our tests.
What to do with your result
Whatever your result, treat it as information, not a verdict. If it resonates, it can be a useful thing to bring to a doctor or mental-health professional — they can see the full picture a short questionnaire can't. Feelings and circumstances change, so retaking the test after a few weeks can also show whether things are shifting over time.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Depression Test (PHQ-9) free?
Yes — completely free. No signup, no email, and no paywall. Healthio+ currently carries no advertising at all.
Is this test anonymous, and is my data saved?
It's fully anonymous. Your answers are scored entirely in your browser and are never sent to us or stored anywhere. We keep only an anonymous count of how many people take each test, plus which browser family was used and which site you arrived from — never who took it or how they answered.
Is this test a diagnosis?
No. This is a screening tool for self-reflection, not a medical or psychological diagnosis. No online test can diagnose you. If your result resonates, consider speaking with a qualified doctor or mental-health professional.
How long does this test take?
About three minutes. It has 9 questions and gives you an instant result the moment you finish.
What is this test based on?
PHQ-9 — released copyright-free by Pfizer; the standard primary-care depression screener.