Introduction

The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a validated self-report scale that measures the frequency of nine core depression symptoms experienced during the previous two weeks. Each item reflects diagnostic criteria from recognized clinical guidelines, allowing a single score to indicate overall symptom burden and track change across time for individuals.

This web-based tool guides you through the questionnaire step by step, automatically totals your responses, and visualizes the result in a clear bar chart. A color-coded badge instantly communicates severity, while evidence-based guidance appears beneath the chart. All calculations run locally in your browser, keeping your answers private and secure.

Complete the assessment when you want a quick snapshot of your current mood and an easy baseline for later comparison, or to share structured information with a trusted professional or friend. Scores should inform—not replace—professional judgment or urgent care whenever severe or self-harm thoughts occur. Results do not constitute a clinical diagnosis.

Technical Details:

The interface leverages a reactive engine to render questions dynamically and update progress in real time. A lightweight charting layer draws the severity bar inside an SVG canvas. Logic executes entirely in the browser; no network requests happen after initial load, preserving data sovereignty and offline capability.

Instant Scoring

Your selections update a running total immediately, eliminating wait times between items.

Progress Indicator

A live progress bar shows completion percentage, motivating you to finish the nine items.

Severity Badge

A color-coded badge labels results as Minimal, Mild, Moderate, Moderately Severe, or Severe for quick interpretation.

Interactive Chart

An animated bar chart positions your score against the 0-27 scale, resizing responsively on window changes.

Client-Side Privacy

All data stays in local memory; refreshing or closing the tab permanently clears responses.

Calculations & Scoring:

The tool sums the values you assign to each question (0-3). Possible totals range from 0 to 27.

Data Privacy: Scores are calculated entirely in your browser and are never sent to any server.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Follow these steps to complete and interpret the PHQ-9.

1. Click Begin Assessment to load the first question.
2. Select the response that best matches each statement; the progress bar updates automatically.
3. Use the questions list on the right to revisit any item before finishing.
4. After answering all nine items, view your Your Score badge and bar chart.
5. Read the guidance narrative, then save or share the results as needed.

FAQ:

Find quick answers to common questions.

Troubleshooting:

Resolve common issues quickly.

• Blank screen — Disable aggressive content blockers and reload.
• No progress update — Ensure JavaScript is enabled in your browser.
• Chart not visible — Resize the window so the chart container exceeds 200 px height.
• Badge shows “Undefined” — Answer every item before viewing results.
• Duplicate scrollbars — Set browser zoom to 100 % for best layout.

Advanced Tips:

Enhance your assessment routine.

• Retake weekly to monitor treatment response over time.
• Capture a screenshot of the chart to track trends visually.
• Combine scores with a daily mood diary for richer insights.
• Disable dark-mode extensions to preserve original color cues.
• Use a private browsing window if sharing the device with others.

Glossary:

Key terms used in this tool.

PHQ-9

Nine-item questionnaire for screening depression severity.

Severity Badge

Color label summarizing score range.

Reactive Engine

JavaScript layer that updates UI instantly after input.

Self-Report

Assessment completed by the individual without clinician input.

Score Range

Numerical span mapping totals to severity labels.