Understanding Your PHQ-9 Score
The PHQ-9 is a nine-question depression screening tool, scored from 0 to 27. In general, higher scores reflect more depressive symptoms over the past two weeks. The widely used ranges are: 0–4 minimal, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, and 20–27 severe. A score is a starting point for a conversation — not a diagnosis.
How the PHQ-9 is scored
The PHQ-9 asks how often you have been bothered by nine specific problems over the previous two weeks. Each item is rated from 0 ("not at all") to 3 ("nearly every day"), so the total ranges from 0 to 27. The nine items map directly to the symptoms clinicians use to recognize depression, which is part of why the tool is so widely used in primary care.
Because it is brief and consistent, the PHQ-9 is also useful for tracking change over time. Repeating it every few weeks can show whether symptoms are easing, holding steady, or worsening — often more informative than any single score.
What each score range means
These ranges come from the tool's validation research. They describe symptom severity, not a label about you as a person:
- 0–4 (Minimal): Few or no depressive symptoms reported.
- 5–9 (Mild): Some symptoms; watchful waiting and self-care are often reasonable, with follow-up if they persist.
- 10–14 (Moderate): A common threshold at which a clinical conversation is recommended.
- 15–19 (Moderately severe): Symptoms are more pronounced; professional support is usually warranted.
- 20–27 (Severe): Significant symptoms; prompt evaluation and support are recommended.
The one item that matters regardless of total
The ninth PHQ-9 item asks about thoughts of being better off dead or of hurting yourself. Any response above "not at all" on this item deserves attention on its own, even if your total score is low. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out for help right now — in the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7, or call 911.
What a score does — and doesn't — tell you
A PHQ-9 score is a screen. It can flag that symptoms are present and how heavy they feel, but it cannot account for everything going on — a recent loss, a medical condition, sleep, medication, or life stress can all influence answers. Only a qualified professional can diagnose depression, by combining a screen like this with your history and a conversation.
If your score is in the moderate range or higher, or if milder symptoms have lingered for more than two weeks and are affecting your daily life, it is worth talking with a healthcare provider.
Key takeaways
- PHQ-9 scores run 0–27; higher means more depressive symptoms over two weeks.
- Ranges: 0–4 minimal, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, 20–27 severe.
- Any thoughts of self-harm matter regardless of the total — reach out for help.
- A score is a starting point for a conversation, not a diagnosis.
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References
- Kroenke, Spitzer & Williams (2001), J Gen Intern Med — The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure.
- National Institute of Mental Health — Depression.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
This article is educational and is not a diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. It is not a substitute for care from a qualified professional. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (U.S.), or call 911.
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