Low mood can look different from person to person. This assessment uses the PHQ-9 to look at changes in mood, interest, sleep, energy, thinking, and self-worth that have been showing up during the last two weeks.
The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a validated nine-item self-report measure used to screen for and measure the severity of depressive symptoms. It is a screening tool, not a diagnosis.
Instrument: Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), developed by Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke and colleagues. No permission is required to reproduce, translate, display, or distribute the PHQ-9.
Scoring: Each item is scored 0–3 for a total of 0–27. Standard severity bands are 0–4, 5–9, 10–14, 15–19, and 20–27.
We store the completed assessment type, result band, score when applicable, limited secondary signals, and basic engagement events for aggregate metrics. Raw question responses are not stored.
This assessment is a screening and support-navigation tool, not a diagnosis or substitute for professional medical care.
Sadness is a normal emotional response that often changes with time or circumstances. Depression usually involves a broader group of symptoms, lasts longer, and may affect sleep, energy, concentration, motivation, interest, self-worth, and daily functioning.
Yes. Depression does not always look like obvious sadness. Some people notice irritability, numbness, low motivation, fatigue, sleep changes, or difficulty concentrating more than sadness itself.
No. The PHQ-9 is a validated screening and severity measure, not a diagnosis.
Many people improve with support and treatment. The right approach varies, but psychotherapy, medication, social support, routines, and practical changes can all play a role.
