PHQ-9 – interpretation in English

What is the PHQ-9 questionnaire?

PHQ-9 is a nine-question measure of depressive symptom severity. The questions cover the past two weeks. The PHQ measures were developed by Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke and colleagues.

How it is used

The instruction manual describes PHQ-9 as a measure of symptom severity and change over time. A clinical assessment is needed to determine whether a disorder is present. This site only shows the total score and the published reference levels.

PHQ-9 interpretation: scoring and reference levels

Each question is scored from 0 to 3. The total score ranges from 0 to 27. The published reference levels are shown below. A clinical assessment is needed to determine whether a disorder is present.

1. None-minimal0–4
2. Mild5–9
3. Moderate10–14
4. Moderately Severe15–19
5. Severe20–27

Levels from the instruction manual and Kroenke et al. 2001.

Question 10 is optional and is not included in the total score.

The total score does not tell you whether you have an illness. You may need support whatever your total score.

About question 9

Question 9 asks about thoughts of being better off dead or of hurting yourself. It contributes to the total score in the same way as the other questions. The manual states that assessing the risk of self-harm requires a clinical interview.

If you would like support

If you would like to talk to someone about how you feel, contact your health centre or call 1177 Vårdguiden, Sweden’s healthcare guide, for advice. You can also contact a licensed psychologist or psychotherapist. This advice applies whatever your total score.