Knowing that you are depressed is one thing. Understanding how deeply it is affecting you is another.
Depression isn’t a simple on/off switch; it’s a spectrum. Some days it’s a background noise (mild); other days it’s a deafening roar (severe). Understanding where you sit on this spectrum is crucial because the strategy for handling a “mild” day is very different from handling a “severe” one.
The Science: Why 8 Questions instead of 9?
You might have heard of the famous PHQ-9. So, why use the PHQ-8?
The PHQ-8 is identical to the PHQ-9 but omits the final question about self-harm. Researchers found that for tracking symptoms over time—especially in self-guided environments—the 8-item version is just as accurate for measuring the severity and burden of depressive symptoms. It allows you to objectively track if your mood is getting “lighter” or “heavier” week by week, without the immediate clinical risk assessment required by the 9th question.
It is the preferred tool for many large-scale health studies because it focuses purely on the functional impact of depression on your life.
The Tool: PHQ-8
This questionnaire measures how often you’ve been bothered by eight core symptoms of depression over the past two weeks, such as poor appetite, trouble concentrating, and feeling “slowed down.”
👉 Take the Test: PHQ-8 Depression Severity
What To Do With Your Score
The PHQ-8 classifies depression severity into distinct zones. Knowing your zone helps you choose the right tools:
- Mild (5-9): “Watchful Waiting.” Keep an eye on your sleep and stress. You might not need therapy yet, but you need self-care.
- Moderate (10-14): “Active Change.” This is the zone where counseling or structured self-help (CBT books, lifestyle changes) is highly recommended.
- Moderately Severe (15-19) & Severe (20+): “Professional Support.” At this level, depression is likely interfering with your ability to work or love. Please consider seeing a doctor or psychiatrist to discuss treatment options, including medication or therapy.
Safety & Disclaimer
This tool is for educational purposes only.
- Important: Even though this specific test does not ask about self-harm, safety is paramount. If you ever feel like life is not worth living, please disregard this test and seek help immediately.
- Emergency: Call your local emergency number (e.g., 988 in the US, 14416 in India).
References
- Kroenke, K., et al. (2009). The PHQ-8 as a measure of current depression in the general population. Journal of Affective Disorders.
- Shin, C., et al. (2019). The validity of the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) in an elderly population. Journal of Affective Disorders.
- Pressler, S. J., et al. (2011). Psychometric properties of the PHQ-8 in patients with heart failure. Journal of Nursing Measurement.