Depression Self-Assessment (PHQ-9) | Free Online Test by Dr. Debolina Chowdhury, Greater Noida
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🧠 CLINICALLY VALIDATED · PHQ-9 · FREE

Depression Self-Assessment
Am I Depressed?

Answer 9 simple questions to check your depression severity. The same PHQ-9 screening tool used by psychiatrists and the WHO worldwide — now available free from Dr. Debolina Chowdhury (MD Psychiatry), Nirvana Clinic, Greater Noida.

9
Questions
3 min
To Complete
100%
Confidential
88%
Accuracy
Dr. Debolina Chowdhury, Consultant Psychiatrist, Nirvana Clinic Greater Noida
Reviewed by Dr. Debolina Chowdhury
MD Psychiatry · 15+ years · 17 publications · Consultant Psychiatrist, Fortis Hospital & Nirvana Clinic, Greater Noida
Last reviewed
May 6, 2026

What Is the PHQ-9 Depression Test?

The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a clinically validated screening questionnaire used by psychiatrists, primary care physicians, and the World Health Organization to assess depression severity. It was developed by Drs. Spitzer, Kroenke, and Williams and published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine (2001).

It asks you to rate how often you've experienced 9 common symptoms of depression over the past 2 weeks. Your total score places you in one of five categories — minimal, mild, moderate, moderately severe, or severe depression.

Important: This screening tool helps you understand your depression severity, but it is NOT a diagnosis. Only a qualified psychiatrist can diagnose depression after a proper clinical evaluation. If your score suggests moderate or severe depression — or if you indicate any thoughts of self-harm — we strongly recommend consulting Dr. Debolina Chowdhury immediately.
If you are in crisis right now: Please call Vandrevala Foundation Helpline (24×7): +91 9999 666 555 or iCALL: +91 9152 987 821 (Mon–Sat, 10 AM–8 PM). If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 112 (India national emergency).

The PHQ-9 Scoring Scale

0–4
Minimal
5–9
Mild
10–14
Moderate
15–19
Moderately Severe
20–27
Severe

Take the Depression Self-Assessment

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?

PHQ-9 · CONFIDENTIAL · NO LOGIN REQUIRED

Depression Screening Questionnaire

By Dr. Debolina Chowdhury · MD Psychiatry · Nirvana Clinic, Greater Noida

Instructions: For each question, select how often you've been bothered by the problem over the past 2 weeks. Answer all 9 questions honestly — there are no right or wrong answers.

1Little interest or pleasure in doing things
2Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
3Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
4Feeling tired or having little energy
5Poor appetite or overeating
6Feeling bad about yourself — or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down
7Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television
8Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed — or being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual
9Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or thoughts of hurting yourself in some way

All 9 questions must be answered.

Disclaimer: The PHQ-9 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. A score of 10 or above suggests possible major depressive disorder but requires clinical confirmation. This assessment does NOT replace a professional psychiatric evaluation. If you are in crisis, please call Vandrevala Foundation (24×7): +91 9999 666 555 or India emergency: 112.

When Should You See a Psychiatrist for Depression?

A PHQ-9 score of 10+ warrants professional evaluation. But even with a lower score, consider consulting if you recognise these patterns.

⏳
Symptoms have lasted 2+ weeks — not just a bad day or a difficult week, but persistent low mood that hasn't lifted
💼
It's affecting your work or studies — concentration is impaired, deadlines are being missed, performance is dropping
👥
You're withdrawing from people — avoiding friends, family events, social gatherings that used to bring joy
🌙
Sleep is disrupted — either insomnia, early-morning waking, or excessive sleeping that doesn't refresh you
🍽️
Appetite has changed significantly — eating much more or much less, with weight gain or loss you didn't intend
⚠️
Any thoughts of self-harm — even fleeting thoughts that "everyone would be better off without me" need urgent professional support

Already know you need help? Skip the quiz. Dr. Debolina Chowdhury offers same-day appointments at Nirvana Clinic, Greater Noida. 100% confidential.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the PHQ-9 test accurate?▼
The PHQ-9 has a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 88% for detecting major depressive disorder at a cutoff score of 10. It is the most widely validated and used depression screening tool in clinical practice worldwide. However, it screens for depression generally — it does not diagnose subtypes (atypical depression, bipolar depression, seasonal pattern). A clinical evaluation is needed for a precise diagnosis and treatment plan.
What should I do if I score 10 or above?▼
A score of 10+ suggests moderate to severe depression that is likely affecting your daily functioning. This warrants a professional evaluation by a psychiatrist. Dr. Debolina Chowdhury at Nirvana Clinic, Greater Noida can provide a comprehensive assessment and discuss treatment options — which may include therapy (CBT, IPT), medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination.
Can depression be treated without medication?▼
Yes, mild to moderate depression often responds well to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), exercise, sleep regulation, and structured psychoeducation alone. Dr. Debolina follows a therapy-first approach for mild and moderate cases — medication is added when symptoms are severe, when therapy alone isn't sufficient, or when there is significant suicidal ideation. Read more on the Depression Treatment page.
Could my depression actually be anxiety?▼
Anxiety and depression frequently co-occur — research suggests up to 60% of people with one condition also experience the other. If your depressive symptoms are accompanied by persistent worry, restlessness, or panic, you may benefit from also taking the GAD-7 anxiety screening. Both conditions are treatable, often with overlapping approaches.
I'm having thoughts of self-harm. What should I do right now?▼
Please reach out for help immediately. Call Vandrevala Foundation (24×7): +91 9999 666 555, or iCALL TISS Mumbai (Mon–Sat, 10 AM–8 PM): +91 9152 987 821. Both are free, confidential, and staffed by trained mental health counsellors. If you are in immediate physical danger, call 112 (India national emergency) or visit the nearest hospital emergency department. You are not alone, and help is available right now.
Is my quiz data stored or shared?▼
No. All scoring happens in your browser. No data is sent to any server, stored, or shared. Your responses are completely private and disappear when you close the page.
How long does depression treatment take?▼
Most patients with mild to moderate depression begin to feel meaningful improvement within 4–8 weeks of starting treatment. Severe depression may take 8–12 weeks to respond. Treatment with medication is typically continued for 6–12 months after symptoms resolve to prevent relapse. Therapy may continue for shorter or longer periods depending on individual goals. Recovery is not linear — but full remission is the realistic goal, not just symptom management.
How do I book a depression consultation in Greater Noida?▼
Call or WhatsApp Dr. Debolina Chowdhury at +91 88264 47767, or email [email protected]. For booking enquiries, you can also write to [email protected]. Nirvana Clinic, Shop GF-93, Sun Twilight Mall, Opp. Delta 1 Metro Station, Greater Noida 201308. Mon–Sat 9 AM to 8 PM. All consultations are strictly confidential.

Depression Is Treatable. Recovery Is Real.

Book a confidential consultation with Dr. Debolina Chowdhury. Most patients with mild-to-moderate depression feel significantly better within 4–8 weeks of starting treatment.

💬 WhatsApp Dr. Debolina 📞 Call +91 88264 47767
✉️ [email protected] · 📅 [email protected] · 📍 Sun Twilight Mall, Opp. Delta 1 Metro, Greater Noida 201308
The PHQ-9 was developed by Drs. Spitzer, Kroenke, and Williams (2001) with support from Pfizer Inc. It is in the public domain and free to use. No permission is required.
This screening tool does not constitute medical advice or diagnosis. Crisis support: Vandrevala Foundation (24×7) +91 9999 666 555 · iCALL +91 9152 987 821 · Emergency 112.