Depression screening (PHQ-9)
The PHQ-9 is a short, widely used questionnaire for depression: nine questions about how often, over the last two weeks, you have had low interest or pleasure, felt down or hopeless, slept or eaten differently, or struggled with energy and concentration. It is one of the most common depression screening tools in research and everyday clinical practice.
This is a self-check you can complete online in about three minutes. You get your score straight away, with a plain-language interpretation and the usual thresholds (minimal, mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe). It is a first orientation, not a diagnosis — a formal assessment is always made by a qualified professional.
Written from a neurodivergence-affirming stance: low mood in autistic and ADHD adults is often tangled up with burnout, masking and sensory or social overload, which the PHQ-9 alone cannot separate. If any question touches on thoughts of self-harm, the tool shows crisis-support information — you are not alone, and reaching out is a valid next step.
- 9 items, about 3 minutes, instant score and interpretation
- Based on the PHQ-9 (Kroenke, Spitzer & Williams, 2001)
- Anonymous — nothing to sign up for
- Screening for orientation only, not a clinical diagnosis
PHQ-9
A 9-item screening questionnaire assessing the presence and severity of depressive symptoms experienced over the last two weeks.