Depression Screening Calculator
Screen for depression symptoms using a simplified PHQ-9 methodology by scoring five core indicators like low mood, sleep issues, and fatigue. Use it as an initial self-check — not a clinical diagnosis.
About this calculator
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a validated clinical tool used worldwide to screen for and monitor depression severity. This calculator uses five of its nine core items, each scored on a 0–3 scale: 0 = Not at all, 1 = Several days, 2 = More than half the days, 3 = Nearly every day. The total score is simply the sum: Score = interest_loss + feeling_down + sleep_issues + energy_fatigue + concentration. Score ranges map to severity: 0–4 minimal, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15+ moderately severe. Because only 5 of 9 items are used, this version's maximum is 15, so interpret results proportionally. The tool screens for anhedonia, depressed mood, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and cognitive difficulty — the five most diagnostically central symptoms. Always consult a qualified mental health professional for a full assessment.
How to use
Rate each symptom over the past two weeks on a 0–3 scale. Example: interest_loss = 2, feeling_down = 2, sleep_issues = 1, energy_fatigue = 3, concentration = 1. Score = 2 + 2 + 1 + 3 + 1 = 9. A score of 9 falls in the mild depression range (5–9). This result suggests symptoms worth discussing with a healthcare provider, especially given the high fatigue score of 3, which indicates nearly daily energy depletion. Remember that this is a screening aid, not a substitute for professional evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is a PHQ-based depression screening calculator compared to a clinical diagnosis?
The full PHQ-9 has a sensitivity of approximately 88% and specificity of 88% for major depression when used by clinicians alongside a patient interview, making it one of the most validated brief screening tools available. However, this calculator uses only 5 of the 9 items, which reduces its diagnostic precision. It is best understood as a structured way to reflect on your symptoms and decide whether to seek professional help, rather than as a standalone diagnosis. A licensed psychologist or psychiatrist uses the PHQ-9 alongside clinical history, symptom duration, and functional impairment to make a formal diagnosis.
What should I do if my depression screening score falls in the moderate or severe range?
A moderate or high score is a strong signal to consult a mental health professional promptly — a primary care physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Many people avoid seeking help due to stigma or uncertainty, but effective treatments including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, or a combination exist and are well-supported by evidence. In a crisis or if you are having thoughts of self-harm, contact a crisis line immediately, such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the US (call or text 988). This calculator is a starting point for conversation, not a ceiling for action.
What is the difference between feeling sad and scoring high on a depression screening?
Sadness is a normal, transient emotional response to difficult events, whereas clinical depression involves persistent symptoms lasting at least two weeks that impair daily functioning across multiple domains. The PHQ methodology captures this distinction by asking about frequency — 'more than half the days' or 'nearly every day' — rather than just presence. A high score reflects pervasive, recurring symptoms like anhedonia (loss of pleasure), cognitive slowing, and fatigue, which go beyond ordinary sadness. When symptoms cluster across multiple domains and persist, that pattern is what clinicians look for in making a depression diagnosis.