Free Online Depression Self-Assessment Tool

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, seek immediate help from a healthcare provider or emergency services.

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

1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things 2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless 3. Trouble falling or 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 the newspaper or watching television 8. Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed? Or the opposite — being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual 9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way

About This Tool

Our advanced Depression Self-Assessment Tool is based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a widely used and validated screening instrument developed by experts to measure depression severity. It helps users evaluate symptoms over the past two weeks through nine questions aligned with DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder. This tool provides a score and interpretation to raise awareness about mental health, encouraging timely intervention. It's designed for adults and promotes well-being by offering insights, but it's not diagnostic. Always consult a mental health professional for comprehensive evaluation.

How to Use the Depression Self-Assessment Tool

Read each question carefully, reflecting on the last two weeks.
Select the option that best describes how often you've experienced each symptom.
Answer all nine questions honestly for accurate results.
Click 'Assess Depression' to calculate your score.
Review the total score, depression level, and recommendation.
If your score indicates moderate or higher depression, seek professional advice.
Retake the assessment periodically to track changes in symptoms.

FAQs

What is a Depression Self-Assessment Tool?

It's an online questionnaire based on the PHQ-9 to help individuals evaluate their depression symptoms over the last two weeks.

How accurate is the PHQ-9 test?

The PHQ-9 is a validated screening tool, but it's not a diagnosis; consult a professional for accurate assessment.

What do the scores mean?

0-4: Minimal depression, 5-9: Mild, 10-14: Moderate, 15-19: Moderately severe, 20-27: Severe.

Is this tool a substitute for professional help?

No, it's for informational purposes only; seek help from a mental health professional if you have concerns.

How often should I take this assessment?

You can take it periodically to track changes, but it's based on the last two weeks.

What if my score indicates severe depression?

Contact a healthcare provider immediately or use emergency services if you're in crisis.

Is the tool anonymous?

Yes, no personal data is collected or stored.

Can this tool diagnose depression?

No, only a qualified professional can diagnose depression.

What are common symptoms of depression?

Persistent sadness, loss of interest, changes in appetite, sleep issues, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness.

How can I manage mild depression symptoms?

Exercise, healthy eating, social support, and therapy can help; consult a doctor for personalized advice.