Mental health
PHQ-9 depression scale
The PHQ-9 asks about the nine symptoms of depression over the last two weeks and scores each 0 to 3. It is a screening and severity tool, and it is also how change over time is measured once treatment starts.
Enter the values
The result appears as you type.
Nothing is sent anywhere. The calculation runs entirely in your browser.
This calculator is provided for reference and education. It does not replace clinical assessment, examination, current guidelines, local protocol, or professional judgment. Verify every result before acting on it. Nirogix accepts no liability for clinical decisions made using this tool.
The formula
- Nine items, each 0 to 3. Range 0 to 27.
- Bands: 0–4 minimal · 5–9 mild · 10–14 moderate · 15–19 moderately severe · 20–27 severe
When to use it
- Screening for depression
- Measuring severity at diagnosis and tracking response to treatment
And when not to
- It is a screening instrument, not a diagnosis. Major depression is a clinical diagnosis made with a full assessment.
- Item 9 must never be scored and set aside. A positive answer triggers a risk assessment in that consultation.
- Somatic items overlap with physical illness, so it over-reads in the medically unwell.
References
- The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure — Kroenke K et al., Journal of General Internal Medicine, 2001
Last reviewed 07/09/2026.
These calculators are free and always will be. We also build Nirogix, a hospital management system for Indian clinics and hospitals. The same calculations are planned inside the consultation record, pre-filled from the chart.