Educational guide

PHQ-9 Explained: What Each Question Means & How Scores Work

The PHQ-9 is one of the most widely used short questionnaires for checking in on low mood. This guide walks through what each question is really asking, how the scoring works, and what the levels tend to mean — in plain language.

Important to know first

A screening questionnaire is not a diagnosis. Only a qualified health professional can diagnose depression or any other condition. The PHQ-9 is a snapshot that helps you and a professional talk about what you're experiencing.

01The nine questions, one by one

Each question asks how often you've been bothered by a symptom over the past two weeks, on a 0–3 scale: not at all (0), several days (1), more than half the days (2), nearly every day (3).

Question 1 · InterestLittle interest or pleasure in doing thingsThis asks about anhedonia — whether the things you used to enjoy now feel flat or pointless. It's one of the two core symptoms of low mood.

Question 2 · MoodFeeling down, depressed, or hopelessThis is the other core symptom: a persistent low, heavy, or hopeless mood that stays with you rather than lifting.

Question 3 · SleepTrouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too muchBoth directions count: difficulty sleeping and sleeping far more than usual can both be signs of low mood.

Question 4 · EnergyFeeling tired or having little energyPersistent fatigue that isn't explained by activity or rest is common alongside low mood.

Question 5 · AppetitePoor appetite or overeatingA clear change in appetite — eating much less or much more — over the same two weeks.

Question 6 · Self-viewFeeling bad about yourself — or that you're a failureHarsh self-criticism, guilt, or feeling you've let yourself or others down.

Question 7 · ConcentrationTrouble concentrating on thingsFinding it hard to read, follow conversations, make decisions, or finish tasks that used to be easy.

Question 8 · MovementMoving or speaking so slowly that others noticed — or the oppositeNoticeable slowing down or unusual restlessness and agitation that other people can see.

Question 9 · Self-harmThoughts that you'd be better off dead, or of hurting yourselfThis is the most important question. Any answer other than "not at all" deserves to be taken seriously — please talk to someone and see the help box at the end of this page.

Question 10 — functional impact

The MoodCheck test also asks how much these feelings have gotten in the way of work, home, or relationships. That question isn't added to the score — it adds context about how much the symptoms are affecting your daily life, which is exactly the kind of information that helps a doctor understand your situation.

02How scoring works

The nine questions are each scored 0–3, so the total runs from 0 to 27. Higher totals suggest more symptoms. MoodCheck groups the total into five levels:

Total score	Level	What it tends to mean
0–4	None / minimal	Few or no symptoms of low mood in the past two weeks.
5–9	Mild	Some symptoms. Worth keeping an eye on and talking about if they persist.
10–14	Moderate	Symptoms are noticeable and may be affecting daily life. A conversation with a professional is a reasonable next step.
15–19	Moderately severe	Symptoms are having a real impact. Talking to a doctor or therapist soon is recommended.
20–27	Severe	Many symptoms, most days. Please seek professional support as soon as you can.

Scores are a guide, not a verdict. Two people with the same score can feel very different, and how much the symptoms interfere with your life matters as much as the number.

03What to do next

Take the free MoodCheck self-test — it takes about three minutes and your results never leave your device.
Learn how to bring your results to a doctor and talk about how you've been feeling.
Explore self-care ideas and free support resources.

If you need help right now

Your safety comes first. If you're in immediate danger, call your local emergency number (911, 112, 999, 000…).

If you're struggling but not in immediate danger, free crisis lines are available: 988 in the US (call or text), 116 123 in the UK & Ireland, and findahelpline.com lists free local helplines in 130+ countries. In China: call 12356 (psychological assistance hotline) or 110 / 120 in an emergency.