This tool is for screening support and education. It does not confirm a diagnosis. Clinical judgment is still required.
If question 9 is positive, or someone may be in immediate danger, contact local emergency services or a crisis resource right away.
Enter PHQ-9 Responses
Example Data Table
| Example Case | PHQ-9 Total | Severity | PHQ-2 | Q9 Positive | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case A | 3 | None-minimal | 1 | No | Not difficult at all |
| Case B | 8 | Mild | 3 | No | Somewhat difficult |
| Case C | 13 | Moderate | 5 | No | Very difficult |
| Case D | 18 | Moderately severe | 5 | Yes | Very difficult |
| Case E | 23 | Severe | 6 | Yes | Extremely difficult |
Formula Used
PHQ-9 Total Score = Q1 + Q2 + Q3 + Q4 + Q5 + Q6 + Q7 + Q8 + Q9
Each item is scored as follows:
- Not at all = 0
- Several days = 1
- More than half the days = 2
- Nearly every day = 3
Score Range: 0 to 27
Severity Bands:
- 0–4 = None-minimal
- 5–9 = Mild
- 10–14 = Moderate
- 15–19 = Moderately severe
- 20–27 = Severe
The calculator also shows a PHQ-2 subscore using items 1 and 2, percent of maximum score, average item score, and a question 9 flag for safety follow-up.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter optional identifying details such as patient name, record ID, and review date.
- Select one response for each of the 9 PHQ-9 questions.
- Optionally choose the functional difficulty level and add notes.
- Click Calculate PHQ-9 Score.
- Review the score summary shown above the form.
- Check the severity band, PHQ-2 subscore, and item chart.
- Use the CSV or PDF buttons to export the results.
- If question 9 is positive, treat it as a safety flag requiring follow-up.
FAQs
1. What does the PHQ-9 measure?
The PHQ-9 measures how often nine depressive symptoms bothered a person during the last two weeks. It is a screening and symptom-severity tool.
2. Is the PHQ-9 a diagnosis?
No. It supports screening and follow-up, but it does not confirm a diagnosis by itself. A qualified clinician must interpret the result in context.
3. What score is considered positive?
A score of 10 or more is commonly treated as a positive screen for further evaluation. It should not replace clinical judgment.
4. Why is question 9 highlighted?
Question 9 asks about self-harm or being better off dead. Any positive response should trigger timely suicide risk follow-up and safety assessment.
5. What is the PHQ-2 subscore?
The PHQ-2 is the sum of items 1 and 2. It gives a brief depression screen nested inside the full PHQ-9.
6. Why include functional difficulty?
Functional difficulty adds context about how symptoms affect work, home life, and relationships. It is useful clinically but is not included in the PHQ-9 total.
7. Can I use this tool for repeat tracking?
Yes. Repeating the score over time helps compare symptom changes, treatment response, and remission-like improvement when the total drops below 5.
8. What do CSV and PDF exports include?
The exports include the score summary, item-level responses, severity band, safety flag, optional identifiers, and notes for recordkeeping or review.