Quick answer: A PHQ-9 score runs from 0 to 27. Scores of 0 to 4 are minimal, 5 to 9 mild, 10 to 14 moderate, 15 to 19 moderately severe and 20 to 27 severe. A score of 10 or more is the usual point to talk to a professional. Any answer other than “not at all” on question 9 deserves attention the same day, whatever your total.
The PHQ-9 is one of the most widely used depression questionnaires in the world. It is short and well researched, which is why doctors and psychologists use it to start a conversation. But a number on a screen can feel confusing or even alarming. This guide explains what your score means and what to do with it.
What is the PHQ-9?
The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 has nine questions, each matching one of the common symptoms of depression, such as low mood, loss of interest, poor sleep, tiredness, changes in appetite, trouble concentrating and feeling bad about yourself. It asks how often each has bothered you over the last two weeks. It was developed by Kurt Kroenke, Robert Spitzer and Janet Williams, and its accuracy was first reported in a 2001 study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
It is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. It tells you how much you have been struggling recently. Only a qualified professional, who can consider your history and circumstances, can tell you what is causing it.
How is the PHQ-9 scored?
Each question has four answers, scored from 0 to 3:
- 0: not at all
- 1: several days
- 2: more than half the days
- 3: nearly every day
Your total is the sum of all nine answers, so it ranges from 0 to 27. The free PHQ-9 on Manas 365 adds this up for you instantly.
What do PHQ-9 score ranges mean?
The original study set cut-points of 5, 10, 15 and 20 for mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe depression. In everyday terms:
| PHQ-9 score | Severity | What it usually suggests |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 4 | Minimal | Few or no symptoms. Keep up healthy routines and re-check if things change. |
| 5 to 9 | Mild | Some symptoms. Watch how you feel, look after sleep and activity, and re-take the test in two to four weeks. |
| 10 to 14 | Moderate | A good point to talk to a doctor or mental health professional about a plan. |
| 15 to 19 | Moderately severe | Seek professional support soon. Counselling, a medical review or both may help. |
| 20 to 27 | Severe | Seek professional help promptly, ideally within days. |
Treat these bands as a guide, not a verdict. Two people with the same score can feel very different, and a single score is a snapshot of two weeks, not a description of who you are.
Why does question 9 matter so much?
Question 9 asks how often you have had thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself. If you answered anything other than “not at all”, please talk to someone you trust today, even if your total score is low. In India, Tele-MANAS offers free, confidential mental health support at any hour on 14416. If you are in immediate danger, call 112.
How accurate is the PHQ-9?
Quite accurate for a short questionnaire. In the original validation study, a score of 10 or more correctly identified 88% of people with major depression, and correctly ruled it out in 88% of people without it. That still means some people are flagged who do not have depression, and some are missed. Physical health problems, grief, some medicines and other conditions can raise scores too, which is why the result is a starting point for a conversation rather than an answer.
What should I do after getting my score?
- Note the date and score. Re-taking the test every two weeks shows whether things are improving or getting worse, which is more useful than any single result.
- Check related areas. Low mood and anxiety often travel together, so the GAD-7 anxiety test and the WHO-5 wellbeing index can round out the picture.
- Share it. If your score is 10 or above, or it keeps rising, show it to a doctor or mental health professional. It helps them understand your last two weeks quickly.
- Get more than a number if you want it. Every test on Manas 365 is free. If you would like your answers explained in plain language with practical next steps, you can add an optional personalised AI report.
Frequently asked questions
No. The PHQ-9 is a screening questionnaire. It shows how strongly symptoms have affected you over the past two weeks, but only a qualified professional can diagnose depression.
Because it asks about the last two weeks, taking it every two weeks is a sensible rhythm for tracking change over time.
A score of 10 marks the start of the moderate range. It is not a label, but it is the point where talking to a professional about support is recommended.
Yes. An adapted version for adolescents, the PHQ-A, uses wording that suits younger people. You can take the PHQ-A on Manas 365.
Yes. On Manas 365 the PHQ-9 is always free to take, and you see your score straight away.
Take the PHQ-9 now
It takes about two minutes. Start the free PHQ-9, or browse all free tests on Manas 365.
Sources
- Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JBW. The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. J Gen Intern Med, 2001
- PHQ Screeners: official instruments and instructions
- World Health Organization: Depressive disorder (depression) fact sheet
Plain-language guides from Manas 365 Mindtech on mental health tests and what your results mean, based on published research. Every test on Manas 365 is free.
