Am I Depressed?
Free Depression Screening Test
The PHQ-9 is a validated 9-question screening tool used by healthcare professionals to help identify depression symptoms.
The PHQ-9 asks about your experiences over the past 2 weeks. It takes about 3 minutes to complete.
Note: This screening includes a question about difficult thoughts. Your honest answers help provide accurate results. Support resources will be provided regardless of your responses.
Depression is common and treatable. About 1 in 7 Australians experience depression. Taking this screening is a positive step.
Important: This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Only a qualified professional can diagnose depression.
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What Is the PHQ-9 Depression Screening?
The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a clinically validated screening tool used by GPs, psychologists, and mental health professionals worldwide. Developed by Drs. Robert Spitzer, Janet Williams, and Kurt Kroenke, it asks about nine symptoms of depression as defined in the DSM-5. At a threshold score of 10, the PHQ-9 has 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity for detecting major depressive disorder, making it one of the most widely used depression screeners in primary care.
Signs You Might Benefit From This Screening
Depression affects more than just mood. Common signs include persistent sadness or emptiness, loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness. About 1 in 7 Australians will experience depression in their lifetime, and many people live with symptoms for months or years before seeking help. If you have noticed a change in how you feel or function over the past two weeks, this screening can help you understand whether professional support might be helpful.
How the PHQ-9 Works
The PHQ-9 asks how often you have experienced each of nine symptoms over the past two weeks. Responses are scored from 0 ("not at all") to 3 ("nearly every day"), giving a total score between 0 and 27. Scores of 0–4 suggest minimal depression, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, and 20–27 severe depression. Your results include a clear explanation of your score range along with recommended next steps.
What Happens After the Screening?
After completing the nine questions, you will see your score, what it means, and guidance on next steps. You can download or email your results to share with your GP or psychologist. This screening does not replace a professional diagnosis — only a qualified clinician can diagnose depression through a comprehensive clinical assessment. However, bringing your PHQ-9 results to an appointment can help start a productive conversation about how you are feeling.