Mental health
Dépression
General medicine
The PHQ-9 is a self-administered questionnaire for screening and measuring the severity of depressive symptoms. It covers the past two weeks and can contribute to monitoring. The total score and detailed responses complement the clinical interview; they are not sufficient on their own to confirm a depressive episode.
Number of questions
9 questions
Approximate duration
2 to 3 minutes
Population
Adults
Modality
Self-administered questionnaire
SELF-QUESTIONNAIRE
The nine responses describe the frequency of symptoms over the past two weeks, each scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day).
Are you patient?
You can complete the PHQ-9 prior to your appointment. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, 3114 is available in France, free of charge, 24/7. In case of immediate danger, call 15 or 112; do not wait for a form to be reviewed.
Score interpretationPHQ-9
The sum of the nine items ranges from 0 to 27: 0 to 4 indicates none or minimal depression, 5 to 9 mild, 10 to 14 moderate, 15 to 19 moderately severe to marked, and 20 to 27 severe.
Total score
First reading
0
to
4
No depression or minimal depressive symptoms (0 to 4).
5
to
9
Mild depressive symptoms (5 to 9).
10
to
14
Symptoms compatible with moderate depression (10 to 14).
15
to
19
Symptoms consistent with moderately severe to marked depression (15 to 19).
20
to
27
Symptoms consistent with severe depression (20 to 27).
A score of at least 10 indicates the need for further clinical evaluation. Any positive response to item 9 requires a specific assessment, regardless of the total score.
A score does not replace a diagnostic interview: the duration, context, impact, and individual responses must be examined. The ninth item must be evaluated independently of the total score: a positive response regarding thoughts of death or self-harm warrants a specific clinical evaluation, even if the total score is low. Interpretation should not automatically trigger a prescription.
Terms of contract
When a collection of data is sent to a healthcare professional, ensure staff are organised to review it, especially for item 9. Do not promise real-time monitoring that cannot be guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
What does the PHQ-9 correspond to?
Does a low total make the ninth item reassuring?
What are its limitations?
Sources and references
Kurt Kroenke, Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B. W. Williams
Initial validation: Journal of General Internal Medicine, 2001.
In practice
Full name
Patient Health Questionnaire-9
Method
Self-administered questionnaire
Language
French
Authors
Kurt Kroenke, Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B. W. Williams
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