Depression Test
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.
About this assessment
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.
Sources
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.
Privacy and your results
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.
Content disclaimer
This assessment is a screening and support-navigation tool, not a diagnosis or substitute for professional medical care.
Depression FAQs
What is the difference between sadness and depression?
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.
Can depression show up as irritability or exhaustion?
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.
Does a PHQ-9 screening result mean I have depression?
No. The PHQ-9 is a validated screening and severity measure, not a diagnosis.
Can depression get better?
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.

