What does a PHQ-9 score of 10 mean?
A PHQ-9 score of 10 means moderate depression symptoms, the lowest score in the 10 to 14 band. It is a screening result, not a diagnosis, and 10 is the point where doctors usually look more closely.
The bands run 0 to 4 minimal, 5 to 9 mild, 10 to 14 moderate, 15 to 19 moderately severe, and 20 to 27 severe. At 10, a doctor will usually go through your symptoms, check for causes such as thyroid problems or poor sleep, and talk about therapy, medicine, or both.
Question 9 asks about thoughts of being better off dead. If you scored above zero there, tell a doctor soon, whatever your total. If you might act on thoughts of suicide or self-harm: call your local emergency number now. US and Canada: call or text 988, any hour. UK and Ireland: Samaritans, 116 123, any hour. Anywhere else: findahelpline.com lists free lines by country.
Source: National HIV Curriculum, University of Washington: PHQ-9 depression screening
See a doctor promptly if
- Any thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself. If you might act on them, call your local emergency number now
- A PHQ-9 of 20 or more, or a GAD-7 of 15 or more, especially if you are struggling to work, eat or sleep
- Scores that keep rising across two or three checks, even if each one seems small
- Low mood that alternates with spells of very high energy and little need for sleep
Try the mood check2 min, free, nothing to installThe PHQ-9 and GAD-7, the two questionnaires doctors screen low mood and anxiety with, scored privately on your device.
Mind and sleepA private mood check, and guides on anxiety, low mood, ADHD and sleep
Answered by the AskDoc Medical Team · Medically reviewed under our Medical Director, MBBS · How we review
Something on your mind?
A psychiatrist answers one question privately, in writing, within 24 hours. Or talk it through on a 20 minute video call.
People also ask
Health education, not medical advice.