Clinical Screening Tool

Free PHQ-9 Depression Test Online

The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) is the gold standard 9-item clinical screener used by psychologists and doctors worldwide. Answer 9 quick questions to assess depressive symptom severity in complete privacy.

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by:0 of 9 answered
Q1.Little interest or pleasure in doing things
Q2.Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
Q3.Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
Q4.Feeling tired or having little energy
Q5.Poor appetite or overeating
Q6.Feeling bad about yourself — or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down
Q7.Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading or working
Q8.Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed, or the opposite — being so fidgety or restless
Q9.Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself in some way

How PHQ-9 Scoring Works

Each question evaluates the frequency of specific depressive symptoms experienced over the past two weeks, rated from 0 (Not at all) to 3 (Nearly every day). The composite score ranges from 0 to 27:

  • 0–4: Minimal or no depressive symptoms
  • 5–9: Mild depression — often managed with supportive counseling and lifestyle shifts
  • 10–14: Moderate depression — clinical evaluation and CBT therapy recommended
  • 15–19: Moderately severe depression — structured psychotherapy and professional care advised
  • 20–27: Severe depression — immediate psychiatric or psychological care recommended

Why Take an Online Depression Test?

Depression rarely begins overnight. It often develops gradually as persistent lethargy, sleep disruption, loss of interest in hobbies, and emotional detachment. A standardized clinical screener like the PHQ-9 provides an objective, science-backed benchmark to understand whether your fatigue and low mood are normal situational reactions or signs of clinical depression.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PHQ-9 test?

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a multipurpose clinical instrument for screening, diagnosing, monitoring, and measuring the severity of depression. Developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, and Kurt Kroenke, it is the most widely validated depression screening tool used in hospitals, clinics, and psychiatric research worldwide.

Is my PHQ-9 test score completely private?

Yes, 100%. The calculation occurs entirely inside your browser. Spilbloo does not save, track, or sell your individual answers. You can retake the test at any time anonymously.

Is a high PHQ-9 score a formal medical diagnosis?

No. While the PHQ-9 has high clinical sensitivity and specificity, an online screening tool cannot replace an in-person or telehealth clinical interview conducted by an RCI-registered psychologist or psychiatrist. If your score falls into the moderate or severe range, we recommend speaking with a licensed clinician.

What should I do after getting my score?

If your score indicates mild symptoms, self-care routines and lifestyle modifications may help. For moderate to severe scores, connecting with a therapist for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or supportive counseling can provide structured, effective relief.

Need Support for Depression or Low Mood?

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