You filled out a short questionnaire at your doctor's office. Nine questions about how you've been feeling over the past two weeks. Now you have a score between 0 and 27.
What does that number actually mean?
The PHQ-9 in 30 seconds
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is the most widely used depression screening tool in the world. It was developed in 2001 and has been tested across thousands of patients. Doctors use it in primary care, mental health clinics, and telehealth appointments.
It asks about nine symptoms of depression and how often you've experienced them in the last two weeks. Each answer is scored 0-3, giving you a total between 0 and 27.
It's not a diagnosis. It's a starting point for conversation.
What the scores mean
| Score | Severity | What it typically means |
|---|---|---|
| 0-4 | Minimal | No significant depression symptoms detected |
| 5-9 | Mild | Some symptoms present; worth monitoring |
| 10-14 | Moderate | Treatment discussion usually recommended |
| 15-19 | Moderately severe | Active treatment typically advised |
| 20-27 | Severe | Immediate treatment important |
A score of 10 or higher is the standard clinical threshold. At that level the PHQ-9 correctly flags about 88% of people who do have depression, and correctly clears about 88% of those who don't. Not perfect. Good enough to act on.
What your exact score means
People search their specific number, so here it is directly. The band is what your doctor reads; the number inside the band mostly tells you how far from its edge you sit.
| Your score | Band | What it usually prompts |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 4 | Minimal | Nothing further, unless something else worries you |
| 5 to 9 | Mild | Watchful waiting. Repeat in a few weeks and compare |
| 10 | Moderate | The threshold itself. Usually starts a treatment conversation |
| 11 to 14 | Moderate | Same conversation, with less doubt about whether to have it |
| 15 to 19 | Moderately severe | Active treatment normally advised, not just monitoring |
| 20 to 27 | Severe | Prompt treatment. 27 is the maximum possible score |
Two things this table cannot do. A 14 and a 15 sit either side of a line, and the difference between them is one answer moved by one step, so do not read the band change as a change in your condition. And any score at all, including a 3, is worth acting on if question 9 was not zero. That question is covered below.
What each question measures
The nine questions aren't random. Each one targets a specific symptom of depression:
1. Anhedonia: Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you normally enjoy
2. Depressed mood: Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
3. Sleep problems: Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much
4. Fatigue: Low energy or feeling tired
5. Appetite changes: Eating too little or too much
6. Self-worth: Feeling bad about yourself, or like you've let people down
7. Concentration: Trouble focusing on things like reading or watching TV
8. Psychomotor changes: Moving or speaking noticeably slower (or faster) than usual
9. Suicidal thoughts: Thoughts of self-harm or that you'd be better off dead
These map directly to the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder, which is what makes the PHQ-9 clinically useful rather than just convenient. It asks about the same things a doctor would.
Question 9 matters more than the others
Question 9 asks about thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Any score above zero on this question triggers a safety conversation, whatever your total score is.
This is not about alarming you. If you answered anything other than "not at all", your provider will want to talk about it directly, and that conversation is the point of asking.
If you are thinking about harming yourself, you can get help right now. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, free and available 24 hours a day in the US. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. You do not need to wait for your next appointment.
What your score doesn't tell you
The PHQ-9 measures symptom severity right now. It doesn't:
- Diagnose you with depression. That requires clinical evaluation
- Tell you why you are feeling this way. Symptoms have many causes
- Account for medical conditions. Thyroid problems, anemia, and other conditions cause similar symptoms
- Predict how you will feel next month. It is a snapshot, not a forecast
Think of it like a thermometer. It tells you something useful, but it doesn't explain the full picture.
Tracking your score over time
A single score is a snapshot. Taking the PHQ-9 periodically, especially during treatment, shows whether things are moving in the right direction. For a look at tracking strategies, see our guide on how to track your mental health over time.
What counts as meaningful change:
- A 5-point drop indicates clinically significant improvement
- Scores dropping below 10 suggest partial treatment response
- Scores dropping below 5 often indicate remission
Most clinicians recommend retaking the PHQ-9 every 2-4 weeks during active treatment, then less frequently once you're stable.
What to do with your score
If you scored 0-4: No action required, but keep monitoring if you've been feeling off. Symptoms can fluctuate.
If you scored 5-9: Worth mentioning at your next appointment. Your doctor might suggest checking in again in a few weeks to see if symptoms persist.
If you scored 10-14: This range usually prompts a more detailed conversation. Treatment options (therapy, medication, lifestyle changes) become worth discussing.
If you scored 15-19: Active treatment is typically recommended. This usually means therapy, medication, or both.
If you scored 20-27: Your provider will likely want to discuss options right away. Treatment at this level is important and effective.
If you scored anything on question 9: Be honest with your provider. They're asking because help exists, and you deserve access to it. If you need support before that appointment, call or text 988.
Frequently asked questions
Is a high score the same as a depression diagnosis?
No. The PHQ-9 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. It flags people who may have depression and should be looked at more closely. A diagnosis needs a proper conversation with a qualified provider.
Can I take the PHQ-9 on my own?
Yes. It's designed for self-administration. Many people take it at home to track their symptoms between appointments. Just remember that interpreting results, especially high scores, should involve a healthcare provider.
How often should I take it?
During treatment, every 2-4 weeks is typical. For general monitoring, monthly works well. There's no harm in taking it more frequently if you find it useful.
What if my score changes a lot between tests?
Fluctuation is normal. Depression symptoms can vary day to day based on sleep, stress, and circumstances. Focus on trends over multiple assessments rather than any single score.
My score seems high but I feel fine. What gives?
The PHQ-9 asks about the past two weeks, so it might capture a rough patch that's already passed. It's also possible that you've adapted to symptoms that have become your normal. Either way, discuss it with your provider.
Should I share my results with my doctor?
Yes. That's what it's for. Bringing your score to appointments gives your provider concrete data to work with and makes conversations more productive.
The bottom line
Your PHQ-9 score is information, not a verdict. It is one input among several that help you and your provider work out what is going on and what might actually help.
If you're concerned about your results, talk to someone. That's exactly what this screening is for.