While the PHQ-9 is intended to be used as a self-survey to find out whether you're depressed and how severe it is, it should be noted that only a health care professional (like a psychologist, psychiatrist, or doctor) can confidently diagnose you with depression.

Still, it can serve as an indicator that your mental health is suffering, and whether you should take action by seeking help to improve your mood.

Personalized guidance will be provided to you once you've completed the test.

When should you take this test?

You should take this test if you:

1. Suspect that you're struggling with depressive symptoms.
2. Want to find out how serious your depression is.
3. Wish to track how your depression (and the severity) is progressing over time by taking the assessment now and retaking this same test at a future date.
4. Need to know if you should seek help.
5. Want personalized guidance/recommendations on what to do next. (This suggestion will be given to you after you've completed the test.)

Test instructions:

1. Select the most appropriate answer for each question.
2. Take the test when you’re feeling “neutral”. (That means you shouldn’t take the exam if you’re feeling better or worse than usual since you’ll get an inflated or deflated score compared to normal.)
3. Be honest.
4. Try to be as objective as possible.

Answer the following inquiry for each question listed below:

“Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?”