PHQ-9 Depression Assessment — Am I Depressed?
This free depression test uses the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), the most widely validated depression screening tool used by doctors worldwide. This 10-question assessment screens for depression symptoms to determine severity level and whether you should seek professional mental health evaluation.
Sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest
Fatigue, sleep changes, appetite changes
Concentration problems, feelings of worthlessness
PHQ-9 score + severity level + guidance
✓ PHQ-9 clinical depression screening
✓ Used by doctors and therapists worldwide
✓ Free guidance on when to seek professional help
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is the gold standard depression screening tool used by healthcare providers worldwide. Developed and validated through extensive research, the PHQ-9 has 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity for detecting major depression. This free depression test assesses the nine DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD). Doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists use the PHQ-9 to screen patients, monitor treatment progress, and determine depression severity. This depression test free online provides the same validated assessment in accessible format.
Major depression symptoms (must have 5+ for 2+ weeks):
Core symptoms (need at least one):
• Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities (anhedonia)
Additional symptoms:
• Significant weight loss/gain or appetite changes
• Insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too much)
• Psychomotor agitation or retardation (moving/speaking slowly or being fidgety)
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive/inappropriate guilt
• Diminished ability to think/concentrate, indecisiveness
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
This am I depressed test screens for all these symptoms. Depression is NOT just sadness - it's persistent and interferes with daily life. If you're experiencing several symptoms, this free depression test online can help assess severity and guide next steps.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD):
Most common type. Episodes last weeks to months. Characterized by persistent low mood, loss of interest, and other symptoms from DSM-5 criteria. This depression test screens for MDD.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia):
Chronic depression lasting 2+ years. Symptoms less severe than MDD but longer-lasting. Often cycles between mild-moderate depression and brief periods of normal mood.
Postpartum Depression:
Occurs after childbirth (within year). More than "baby blues" - causes significant impairment. Symptoms: depressed mood, anxiety, difficulty bonding with baby, thoughts of harming self/baby. Requires treatment. This postpartum depression test (PHQ-9) can screen for postpartum depression.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Depression occurring at same time each year, usually winter. Related to decreased sunlight. Symptoms: low energy, oversleeping, weight gain, social withdrawal. Treatment: light therapy, medication, therapy. This seasonal depression test (PHQ-9) screens for SAD.
High-Functioning Depression:
Unofficial term for people with depression who maintain work/social functioning but suffer internally. Often undiagnosed because they "seem fine." This high functioning depression test identifies depression despite outward success.
Note: This is a depression test only. It does not screen for bipolar disorder, which requires different assessment.
Normal Sadness:
• Temporary response to loss, disappointment, or difficulty
• Comes and goes, tied to specific events
• Doesn't significantly impair daily functioning
• Improves with time, support, positive experiences
• Can still experience joy and pleasure
Clinical Depression:
• Persistent for 2+ weeks without relief
• Often no clear cause or disproportionate to situation
• Significantly impairs work, relationships, self-care
• Doesn't improve with time alone - requires treatment
• Unable to experience pleasure (anhedonia)
• Physical symptoms: sleep/appetite changes, fatigue
• Cognitive symptoms: concentration problems, indecisiveness
• Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or thoughts of death
This depression test online helps distinguish between normal sadness and clinical depression requiring professional treatment.
Depression is highly treatable. Most people improve with proper treatment.
Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy):
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Highly effective for depression. Identifies and changes negative thought patterns. Evidence-based, structured, time-limited (12-20 sessions).
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on relationship patterns and life transitions contributing to depression.
• Behavioral Activation: Increases engagement in positive activities to improve mood.
Medication (Antidepressants):
• SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors): First-line treatment. Examples: fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro).
• SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors): venlafaxine (Effexor), duloxetine (Cymbalta).
• Others: bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron).
• Takes 4-6 weeks to feel effects. Side effects usually temporary.
Combination Therapy:
Research shows therapy + medication works best for moderate-severe depression. Each targets different aspects.
Lifestyle Interventions:
• Exercise: 30 minutes moderate exercise most days. As effective as medication for mild-moderate depression.
• Sleep hygiene: Consistent sleep schedule, 7-9 hours.
• Social connection: Combat isolation - reach out to friends/family.
• Nutrition: Balanced diet, omega-3 fatty acids, limit alcohol.
• Mindfulness/meditation: Reduces rumination, improves mood.
Other Treatments:
• ECT (electroconvulsive therapy): For severe, treatment-resistant depression.
• TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation): For depression not responding to medication.
• Ketamine/Esketamine: For treatment-resistant depression.
Seek help immediately if:
• Having thoughts of suicide or self-harm
• Making suicide plan
• Feeling like you might act on suicidal thoughts
• Call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or go to emergency room
Schedule appointment within days if:
• Depression symptoms lasted 2+ weeks
• Symptoms interfering with work, relationships, or daily activities
• Not enjoying things you used to enjoy
• Significant sleep/appetite changes
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feeling hopeless about the future
Who to see:
• Psychiatrist: MD specializing in mental health. Can prescribe medication and provide therapy.
• Psychologist: Doctorate-level therapist. Provides evidence-based therapy (CBT, IPT).
• Therapist/Counselor: Licensed mental health professional providing therapy.
• Primary Care Doctor: Can prescribe antidepressants and refer to specialists.
Don't wait - depression rarely improves on its own and often worsens without treatment. Early intervention leads to faster recovery. This free depression test for online screening helps identify when professional help is needed.
A depression test is a screening questionnaire assessing depression symptoms: persistent sadness, loss of interest, sleep/appetite changes, fatigue, concentration problems, feelings of worthlessness, thoughts of death. This free depression test uses the PHQ-9, the most validated depression screening tool used by doctors worldwide. It's not a diagnosis but helps identify symptoms requiring professional evaluation.
Yes! This depression test is 100% free - no hidden costs, no sign-up, no email required. Free depression test online provides instant PHQ-9 results with severity level and recommendations. Anonymous and confidential. Same clinical tool doctors use, accessible anytime, anywhere.
You might be depressed if experiencing: persistent sad/empty mood for 2+ weeks, loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, sleep problems (insomnia or oversleeping), fatigue/low energy, appetite/weight changes, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, thoughts of death. This am I depressed test (PHQ-9) assesses all major depression symptoms. If score indicates depression, seek professional evaluation. Depression is NOT weakness - it's medical condition requiring treatment.
The PHQ-9 is highly accurate with 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity for major depression. It's the most widely used and validated depression screening tool worldwide. However, this depression test free tool is for screening, not diagnosis. Only licensed mental health professional can diagnose depression through comprehensive clinical evaluation. The PHQ-9 indicates whether professional assessment is needed.
If your depression test online indicates moderate-severe depression: 1) If experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 988 immediately, 2) Schedule appointment with psychiatrist, therapist, or doctor within days, 3) Use our AI therapist for immediate support, 4) Reach out to trusted friend/family - don't isolate, 5) Avoid major life decisions while depressed, 6) Learn about treatment options (therapy, medication). Depression is highly treatable - most people improve significantly with proper treatment.
No. This free depression test for screening identifies symptoms and severity but cannot diagnose depression. Only licensed mental health professional (psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist) or medical doctor can diagnose depression through comprehensive clinical assessment including: detailed symptom evaluation, medical history, ruling out other conditions (thyroid problems, other mental health conditions), assessment of functional impairment. This depression test online helps decide if professional evaluation is needed.
Main types: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD - most common, episodes lasting weeks-months), Persistent Depressive Disorder (chronic depression 2+ years), Postpartum Depression (after childbirth - this postpartum depression test screens for it), Seasonal Affective Disorder (seasonal depression test for winter depression), High-Functioning Depression (this high functioning depression test identifies depression despite outward success). Note: This is depression test only, not bipolar test. Bipolar disorder requires separate screening.
Depression treatment: Psychotherapy (CBT and IPT highly effective), Medication (antidepressants like SSRIs, SNRIs), Combination therapy (therapy + medication works best for moderate-severe depression), Lifestyle changes (exercise, sleep hygiene, social connection), Other treatments for severe/resistant cases (ECT, TMS, ketamine). Most people improve within 4-8 weeks of starting treatment. Depression is highly treatable - don't suffer alone.
No. Sadness is normal emotion that comes and goes, tied to events, and doesn't significantly impair functioning. Depression (clinical depression) is persistent for 2+ weeks, often no clear cause, significantly impairs daily life, includes physical symptoms (sleep/appetite changes, fatigue), cognitive symptoms (concentration problems), and doesn't improve without treatment. This depression test online helps distinguish normal sadness from clinical depression requiring professional help.
Without treatment: Major depressive episodes typically last 6-9 months if untreated. Some last longer. With treatment: Most people see significant improvement within 4-8 weeks of starting therapy and/or medication. Full recovery may take several months. Persistent depressive disorder lasts 2+ years or longer. Early treatment leads to faster recovery and prevents chronic depression. This depression test free screening helps identify when to seek treatment.