PHQ-9 · 3 minutes
Depression screener (PHQ-9)
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems? Your score categorises severity from minimal to severe and tells you whether a clinical evaluation is warranted.
Little interest or pleasure in doing things.
Educational tool — not a diagnosis. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Kroenke, Spitzer & Williams 2001. Validated in primary care and specialty settings. Educational screening only — diagnosis requires clinician interview.
Frequently asked
Plain-language answers about depression, this screener, and what evaluation costs at a Class A hospital in China.
- What does a PHQ-9 score mean?
- 0–4 minimal depression, 5–9 mild, 10–14 moderate, 15–19 moderately severe, 20–27 severe. A score of 10 or higher generally warrants further evaluation by a clinician.
- Is the PHQ-9 a diagnosis of depression?
- No. It is a validated screener with strong sensitivity and specificity, but a formal diagnosis of major depressive disorder requires a structured clinical interview.
- What does depression treatment cost in China?
- An initial 60-minute psychiatric evaluation at a Class A hospital typically costs $90–160. SSRI/SNRI medications are widely available at $20–60/month. Combined therapy + medication monitoring is substantially cheaper than US/EU equivalents.
- I scored high — what should I do right now?
- If you have any thoughts of harming yourself, contact local emergency services immediately. Otherwise, book a clinical evaluation within 1–2 weeks. The PHQ-9 result and your responses can be shared directly with the evaluating clinician.
About this screener
Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Kroenke, Spitzer & Williams 2001. Validated in primary care and specialty settings. Educational screening only — diagnosis requires clinician interview.
What this screener covers
- Major depressive disorder(ICD-10 F32)
- Recurrent depressive disorder(ICD-10 F33)
Validated source
Medical review
Reviewed by Panda Touring Care medical team (Psychiatry coordinator review) · last reviewed 2025-04-01
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