What does a PHQ-9 score mean?

Scores range from 0-27, with 0-4 minimal, 5-9 mild, 10-14 moderate, 15-19 moderately severe, and 20-27 severe — higher scores generally indicate a greater need for professional evaluation and treatment.

Is postpartum depression the same as the 'baby blues'?

No — the baby blues typically resolve within two weeks after childbirth, while postpartum depression is more persistent and severe, and can develop anytime within the first year — it's treatable with therapy and/or medication.

Why is depression in men often missed?

Depression in men sometimes presents as irritability, anger, or increased risk-taking rather than the more commonly recognized sadness, and men are also statistically less likely to seek help, contributing to underdiagnosis.

PHQ-9 is the world's most used depression screening tool →

Take the PHQ-9 depression screening.

The PHQ-9 is a validated, widely used clinical tool for understanding depression symptom severity. Answer nine questions to get your score and a clear next step.

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Understanding depression screening and care options

From your PHQ-9 score to specific depression types and care paths.

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PHQ-9 Screener

The validated clinical screening tool.

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Postpartum Depression

Recognizing the signs.

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Seasonal Affective Disorder

Depression tied to the seasons.

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Depression in Men

An often underrecognized pattern.

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Bipolar vs. Unipolar Depression

Understanding the difference.

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Choosing the Right Care Level

From self-help to psychiatric care.

Free interactive tool

PHQ-9 Depression Screener

Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by each of the following? Answer honestly for the most accurate result.

Little interest or pleasure in doing things

Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless

Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

Feeling tired or having little energy

Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself

Your PHQ-9 result

Answer the questions and tap Calculate my score for your personalized result.

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The essentials

PHQ-9 is the world's most widely used depression screening tool

Depression affects millions of people, yet many never get a clear, structured read on their symptom severity until a validated tool like PHQ-9 makes it accessible and understandable.

PHQ-9 is public domain and clinically validated

Freely available and used by clinicians worldwide, PHQ-9 offers a reliable way to understand depression symptom severity in just nine questions.

Depression presents differently across groups

Postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder, and depression in men each have distinct presentations that are sometimes underrecognized.

Care level should match severity

From self-help strategies for mild symptoms to psychiatric evaluation for severe symptoms, the appropriate response scales with how significant the symptoms are.

Key takeaway

PHQ-9 offers an accessible, validated way to understand your depression symptom severity, and whichever range your score falls into, there's an appropriate next step — from self-help strategies to professional treatment.

Helpful next steps

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🩺Explore BetterHelp therapy optionsConnect with a licensed therapist 🛡️Book a psychiatric evaluationDiscuss medication options if appropriate

This content is for general educational purposes only. PHQ-9 is a validated screening tool, not a diagnosis. If you are having thoughts of self-harm, please call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) immediately.

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The Depression Screening and Care Guide

A free PDF covering PHQ-9 scoring, postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder, and choosing the right care level.

Understanding the PHQ-9 questionnaire
Postpartum depression signs
Seasonal affective disorder guide
Depression in men guide
Choosing the right care level