PHQ-9
Patient Health Questionnaire-9
The most widely used brief self-report measure of depression symptom severity.
At a Glance
- Population
- Adults (primary care, mental health, and general populations)
- Number of Items
- 9 items
- Instrument Type
- PROM
- Digital Administration Availability
- Suitable for self-report electronic administration
- Automated Scoring Availability
- Yes — simple sum score, 0–27
- Suitable Use Settings
- Primary care, mental health screening and monitoring, and clinical research
About the Instrument
Developed by Spitzer, Williams and Kroenke with support from Pfizer, the PHQ-9 maps directly onto DSM depression diagnostic criteria and is one of the most extensively validated and widely used depression measures in the world.
What It Measures
Frequency of the nine DSM-based depressive symptoms over the past two weeks, plus a functional-impact item.
Digital Administration
Delivered electronically through the PROMinsight platform as part of a digital patient-reported outcomes workflow.
Scoring / Reporting
Nine items are each scored 0–3 and summed to a 0–27 total, with published severity bands from minimal to severe depression.
Use in Research / Clinical Care / Clinical Trials
The most widely used depression screening and monitoring tool in primary care and mental health research globally.
Enquire About This Instrument
Interested in using the PHQ-9 in your research, clinical programme or study? Contact PROMinsight to discuss access.
Enquire About This Instrument