The Complete PHQ-9 Depression Self-Check Guide

Feeling down for a few days is not the same as clinical depression — yet the line between them is hard to judge on your own. The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is the most widely used depression screening tool in primary care worldwide. In just nine questions, it turns how you have felt over the past two weeks into an objective score. This guide explains what the PHQ-9 is, how to read your score, and what signs mean it is time to talk to a professional. Take the test and read this alongside your result for the clearest picture.

What the PHQ-9 is

The PHQ-9 was developed in 1999 by Kroenke, Spitzer, and Williams. It maps the nine core symptoms of major depression from the DSM diagnostic criteria directly into questions. Each item asks how often a problem has bothered you over the past two weeks, scored from "not at all" (0) to "nearly every day" (3). Adding the nine items gives a total from 0 to 27 — the higher the score, the more frequent and severe the depressive symptoms.

A validated Korean version was standardized by An and colleagues in 2010, using the same cutoffs as the original English instrument. Public health bodies adopt it as a screening tool because it is short, free, and simple to score. That combination is why it has become a de facto standard in both clinical settings and self-checks.

What the nine items measure

Each PHQ-9 item targets a core domain of depression. Item 1 covers loss of interest or pleasure (anhedonia); item 2, depressed mood and hopelessness; item 3, sleep problems (insomnia or oversleeping); item 4, fatigue and low energy; item 5, appetite change; item 6, feelings of worthlessness or guilt; item 7, difficulty concentrating; item 8, psychomotor slowing or agitation; and item 9 asks directly about thoughts of self-harm.

Item 9 is different from the rest. Even with a low total, answering 1 or higher on item 9 is itself a signal that needs immediate attention. The moment you select 1 or more on item 9, this tool displays crisis-support contacts on screen regardless of the total score (Korea: 109 and 1577-0199; US: 988). This is not just a feature — it is the most important, ethical part of the design.

How to read your score

PHQ-9 totals are read in five bands, using the same cutoffs as Kroenke 2001 and the Korean standardization.

• 0-4 · Minimal — within the normal range, little to no symptoms. No specific action needed.
• 5-9 · Mild — light symptoms. Try self-care (sleep, exercise, routine) and retake in two weeks.
• 10-14 · Moderate — may affect daily life, relationships, or work. A professional consultation is recommended.
• 15-19 · Moderately severe — noticeable impairment. See a psychiatrist as soon as possible.
• 20-27 · Severe — professional treatment is very likely needed. Seek help without delay.

A score is a snapshot. Today's energy, recent stress, lack of sleep, physical illness, and medication can all move it. So rather than drawing conclusions from a single number, retake the check every two weeks and watch the direction of change. A score that stays consistently high is not a passing mood — it may be a sign you need support.

Understanding depression

Depression is not a sign of weakness. It is a medical condition shaped by neurotransmitters, hormones, genetic predisposition, chronic stress, physical illness, and loss. Just as you would see a doctor for the flu, getting timely professional help for depression greatly improves the odds of recovery. Therapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy), medication, and lifestyle changes are all used, and the most effective mix differs from person to person.

Common signs go beyond "sadness": unexplained fatigue, exhaustion that sleep does not fix, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, trouble concentrating, changes in appetite or weight, and excessive guilt over small things can all be part of depression. Checking in early and asking for help is one of the wisest things you can do.

When to see a professional

Consider seeing a mental-health professional if any of the following apply: a PHQ-9 score of 10 or higher that lasts more than two weeks; clear disruption to work, study, or relationships; major changes in sleep or appetite; and above all, thoughts of harming yourself. In that last case, seek help right now, regardless of your score.

• Public mental-health centers — offer free counseling by region (find yours via Korea's crisis line 1577-0199).
• Korea suicide-prevention line 109 — a unified 24/7 crisis line since 2024.
• Psychiatry clinics and hospitals — the most reliable path when accurate diagnosis and treatment are needed.
• US residents — the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by call or text.

Asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of. Do not face it alone — telling a trusted family member or friend and taking the first step together can start a real change.

Using this tool safely

This PHQ-9 self-check is free and requires no sign-up. Your answers stay only in your browser and are never sent to any server. The result-share link encodes an answer code in the URL — not your score — and the social-share text never reveals your score, by design, to avoid stigma. Still, to be clear: this tool is a reference-only screen, not a diagnosis. Accurate assessment and treatment belong to professionals. For more, see the FAQ.