Anxiety Test
Screen for anxiety symptoms with a GAD-7 style 7-question self-assessment. Get an anxiety severity score, interpretation, and practical next steps. Not a medical diagnosis.
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Depression Self-Test
Screen for depressive symptoms with a PHQ-9 style 9-question self-assessment. Get a depression severity score, interpretation, and personalised next steps. Not a medical diagnosis.
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Depression Self-Test
This self-assessment helps you understand whether you may be experiencing symptoms of depression based on your experiences over the past 2 weeks. You can also compare your results with our Stress Level Test and Sleep Quality Analyzer for a broader picture of mood, stress, and recovery.
⚠️This is a screening tool only, not a medical diagnosis. Always consult a qualified professional.
0 / 9 questions answered0% complete
Instructions: Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?
1
Little interest or pleasure in doing things.
2
Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless.
3
Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much.
4
Feeling tired or having little energy.
5
Poor appetite or overeating.
6
Feeling bad about yourself — or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down.
7
Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading or watching TV.
8
Moving or speaking so slowly that others could notice — or the opposite, being unusually restless or fidgety.
9
Sensitive question
Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or thoughts of hurting yourself in some way.
What Is Depression?
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical condition that negatively affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. It is more than just "feeling sad" — it is a persistent low mood that lasts for weeks, months, or longer, and is accompanied by a range of emotional and physical symptoms.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), depression affects more than 280 million people worldwide. It is one of the leading causes of disability globally, yet it is also one of the most treatable mental health conditions — with 80–90% of people responding well to treatment. If you are exploring broader wellbeing tools, visit our Mental Health category for related self-assessments and support content.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression manifests differently in different people. Common symptoms include:
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Emotional Symptoms
- Persistent sad, empty, or hopeless mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Irritability, frustration, or restlessness
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Physical Symptoms
- Persistent fatigue and low energy
- Sleep changes — insomnia or sleeping too much
- Appetite and weight changes
- Unexplained aches, pains, or digestive problems
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Cognitive Symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Slowed thinking or speech
- Negative thought patterns
- Preoccupation with past failures
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Behavioural Symptoms
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Neglecting responsibilities or daily tasks
- Reduced motivation and productivity
- Thoughts of death or self-harm (severe cases)
How Depression Screening Tests Work
Depression screening tools like the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) help identify the likelihood and severity of depression using validated, standardised questions. They are widely used by healthcare professionals as a first-line assessment tool. They work best when viewed alongside patterns in sleep, stress, and daily functioning, which is why many people also review their stress symptoms and sleep score.
1
Answer 9 questions
Each question covers a core depressive symptom experienced over the past 2 weeks — the minimum duration required for a diagnostic consideration under DSM-5 criteria.
2
Score is calculated
Responses are scored 0–3 (Not at all → Nearly every day). Total scores range from 0–27, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms.
3
Severity level is determined
Scores are mapped to one of five severity categories from Minimal to Severe Depression, matching clinically validated PHQ-9 cut-off points.
4
Receive guidance
Based on your score, you receive an interpretation, suggested next steps, and evidence-based recommendations tailored to your severity level.
Understanding Your PHQ-9 Style Score
The following table shows how scores map to depression severity and what each level typically means for clinical decision-making:
| Score | Severity |
|---|---|
| 0–4 | Minimal |
| 5–9 | Mild |
| 10–14 | Moderate |
| 15–19 | Moderately Severe |
| 20–27 | Severe |
When to Seek Professional Help
Self-assessment tools are a useful first step, but professional evaluation is essential in many situations. Seek help promptly if you experience any of the following:
⚠Your score is in the Moderate, Moderately Severe, or Severe range
⚠Symptoms have persisted most days for 2 or more weeks
⚠Depression is interfering significantly with work, relationships, or daily functioning
⚠You experience thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or not wanting to be alive
⚠You are using alcohol or substances to cope with how you feel
⚠Physical symptoms such as significant weight loss or inability to sleep persist
Your GP is always a good first point of contact. They can conduct a thorough assessment, rule out physical causes, and refer you to appropriate mental health services. If sleep disruption is one of your biggest concerns, our Sleep Quality Analyzer can help you organise what has been happening before that appointment.
Depression Treatment Options
Depression is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. With the right support, the vast majority of people experience significant improvement. Treatment options include:
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Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), and behavioural activation are evidence-based therapies with strong outcomes for depression.
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Medication
Antidepressants (typically SSRIs or SNRIs) are effective for moderate-to-severe depression. They are prescribed and supervised by a doctor. Medication is often most effective when combined with therapy.
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Exercise
Regular aerobic exercise (3–5× per week, 30–45 minutes) has been shown to be as effective as antidepressants for mild-to-moderate depression and improves outcomes when combined with other treatments.
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Mindfulness-Based Therapies
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) reduces the risk of depression relapse by up to 43% in people with recurrent depression.
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Support Groups
Peer support groups — in-person or online — reduce isolation and provide a safe space to share experiences with others who understand what you are going through.
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Lifestyle Adjustments
Consistent sleep, balanced nutrition, reducing alcohol, and maintaining social connections all measurably buffer against depression and support recovery.
Recovery is rarely one-dimensional. Many people track mood changes here, then use the Stress Level Test and Sleep Quality Analyzer to spot patterns that can be shared with a clinician, therapist, or counsellor.
Related Mental Health Tools
Stress Level Test
Check whether chronic stress may be compounding low mood, sleep problems, or reduced focus.
Sleep Quality Analyzer
Review disrupted sleep patterns that often overlap with depression symptoms and fatigue.
Sleep Score Calculator
Measure sleep recovery habits when you are trying to rebuild routine and consistency.
Mental Health Category
Browse the dedicated category page for mood, stress, and wellbeing assessment tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a depression self-test?
A depression self-test is a standardised questionnaire that helps you evaluate whether you may be experiencing symptoms of depression. It measures the frequency of common depressive symptoms over a defined period — typically the past 2 weeks. Results indicate a possible severity level and suggest whether professional evaluation may be warranted.
How accurate is a depression screening test?
The PHQ-9, on which this test is based, has been validated in large clinical studies and demonstrates sensitivity of around 88% and specificity of 88% for detecting major depression at a cut-off score of 10. However, no self-report tool can replace a thorough clinical evaluation by a qualified professional.
What does a PHQ-9 score mean?
PHQ-9 scores range from 0 (no symptoms) to 27 (maximum severity). Scores of 0–4 suggest minimal depression, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, and 20–27 severe depression. These thresholds are used by clinicians worldwide as a guide for treatment decisions.
When should I seek professional help?
You should seek professional help if your symptoms are persistent (lasting 2+ weeks), significantly interfere with your daily life, or if you experience thoughts of self-harm. Scores of 10 or above on this screening suggest that professional evaluation is advisable. You should seek help immediately if you are having thoughts of suicide or harming yourself.
Can depression be treated?
Yes — depression is one of the most treatable mental health conditions. With appropriate treatment (therapy, medication, or both), approximately 80–90% of people with depression see significant improvement. Early intervention is associated with better outcomes, so do not hesitate to seek support.
Is this test the same as the PHQ-9?
This tool is inspired by the PHQ-9 methodology using the same 9 core questions and scoring framework. It is designed as an informational self-assessment only and has not been administered or validated in a clinical setting. Results should be discussed with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation.
Explore This Tool in Context
Depression Self-Test is part of the Mental Health collection. If you want a broader view of similar workflows, open the Mental Health category page or browse all QuickTools categories.
Common next steps after this tool include Anxiety Test, Burnout Test and Happiness Index Calculator.
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