Can I use the PHQ-9 to diagnose myself?

No. The PHQ-9 is a screening tool only. A diagnosis requires a full clinical evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider.

How often should I retake the PHQ-9?

Many people repeat the PHQ-9 every few weeks to track trends. Your GP or therapist can advise an interval suited to your situation.

What is the difference between PHQ-9 and PHQ-2?

PHQ-2 uses the first two PHQ-9 items as a brief screen. PHQ-9 provides a fuller picture and severity scoring across nine domains.

Is my PHQ-9 data confidential?

Yes. Screening data is handled in line with Swiss nDSG/FADP requirements. See our Privacy Policy for details on storage and your rights.

PHQ-9 Depression Test — Free Online Screening

The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a validated 9-item screening tool that assesses depression symptoms over the past two weeks. It can help you understand whether your mood patterns may be worth discussing with a licensed professional — it does not provide a diagnosis.

Last reviewed 27 August 2026

If you are in crisis

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Medical emergency — 144 (Switzerland)

At a glance

9 questions; ~5 minutes; 0–27 total score
Validated: Kroenke, Spitzer & Williams (2001) — widely used in Swiss clinical practice

What the PHQ-9 measures

The PHQ-9 covers core depression domains: low mood, loss of interest, sleep and appetite changes, fatigue, self-worth, concentration, psychomotor changes, and thoughts of self-harm. Each item asks how often symptoms occurred in the last 14 days on a 0–3 scale.

Who should take this screening

Consider the PHQ-9 if low mood, loss of interest, or fatigue has affected most days for two or more weeks, or if you want a structured snapshot before speaking with your GP. It is also useful for tracking changes over time — not for crisis care.

How PHQ-9 scoring works

Higher total scores suggest more severe symptom burden. Results indicate severity bands — they do not confirm a diagnosis.

0–4Minimal symptoms — may still be worth monitoring

5–9Mild — may indicate it is worth discussing with a professional

10–14Moderate — often worth a clinical conversation

15–19Moderately severe — professional follow-up is commonly advised

20–27Severe — prompt discussion with a licensed professional is advisable

Ready to take the PHQ-9?

Start with a clinically validated, confidential assessment. No waiting list, no appointment needed — just clarity, and a report your GP can act on today.

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What happens after you complete the screening

Your responses are scored automatically. You receive plain-language results with severity indication, stored confidentially under nDSG/FADP standards. You can download a GP-ready PDF and, if you choose, discuss next steps with a licensed professional.

Frequently asked questions

The PHQ-9 is a validated screening instrument with strong research support. It identifies symptom severity reliably but is not a substitute for a clinical assessment by a licensed professional.

Clinical sources

Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB. The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. J Gen Intern Med. 2001;16(9):606-613.

Important information

This page and the PHQ-9 screening are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a diagnosis.

The online screening itself is not a reimbursed LAMal/KVG service; follow-up care with a licensed professional may be covered depending on your care path and cantonal rules.

Screening responses are processed in a manner consistent with the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (nDSG/FADP). Privacy Policy.

Medical Disclaimer

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