Depression Screening Test
Take our free depression screening test based on PHQ-9 criteria. This 15-question assessment helps identify symptoms of depression and their severity.
What is depression?
Depression is more than feeling sad or going through a rough patch. It's a persistent low mood that affects how you think, feel, and function — sometimes for weeks or months. The World Health Organisation estimates that around 5% of adults globally experience depression at any given time.
Depression can affect anyone regardless of their life circumstances. People with objectively good lives can experience severe depression; people going through genuinely difficult situations may not. It's a medical condition, not a reflection of gratitude or resilience.
There are several types of depression. Major depressive disorder involves episodes of deep, persistent low mood. Dysthymia (persistent depressive disorder) is a milder but chronic form. Bipolar disorder involves episodes of depression alternating with elevated mood. Postpartum depression occurs after childbirth and is more severe than the 'baby blues'.
Common symptoms to look for
Depression symptoms vary from person to person. The most well-known is persistent sadness, but depression often shows up differently — as numbness, irritability, or emptiness rather than visible distress. Other common symptoms include: loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, changes in appetite and weight, sleep problems (sleeping too much or too little), low energy and fatigue, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and in more severe cases, thoughts of death or self-harm.
Depression also has physical symptoms that are often overlooked: unexplained aches and pains, headaches, digestive problems, and slowed physical movement. These aren't psychological — depression affects the body as much as the mind.
Symptoms need to be present most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks to meet the threshold for a major depressive episode. If symptoms have been present for less time, they may still be worth discussing with a doctor.
About the PHQ-9
This test is based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), one of the most widely validated depression screening tools in clinical use. It was developed by Drs. Robert Spitzer, Janet Williams, and Kurt Kroenke and is used by GPs, psychologists, and psychiatrists worldwide.
The PHQ-9 has been validated in hundreds of clinical studies and has strong sensitivity and specificity for detecting depression. It takes about 2 minutes to complete and maps directly to the DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder.
Your score on this test is not a diagnosis. It's a starting point. A high score means your symptoms are significant enough to warrant a clinical assessment. A low score doesn't mean you're definitively fine — it means your current symptom pattern isn't consistent with major depression right now.
Getting help for depression in Australia
If your PHQ-9 score suggests moderate or severe depression, the most important first step is speaking to your GP. Ask for a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan — this allows you to access up to 10 sessions per year with a registered psychologist under Medicare. Antidepressants prescribed through your GP are also available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), making them significantly more affordable.
Key Australian support organisations include: Beyond Blue (beyondblue.org.au, 1300 22 4636) — offering 24/7 phone, chat, and email support plus evidence-based information and online programs; the Black Dog Institute (blackdoginstitute.org.au) — a research leader in depression with excellent self-help resources; and SANE Australia (sane.org) for complex mental health needs. If you are in immediate distress or having thoughts of self-harm, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24/7) or visit your nearest emergency department.
How to Interpret Your Results
| Score Range | Category | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 0–9 | Minimal | Your responses suggest minimal depressive symptoms. Continue maintaining healthy habits and monitoring your well-being. |
| 10–19 | Mild | Your responses indicate mild depressive symptoms. Consider implementing self-care strategies and monitoring how you feel over the coming weeks. |
| 20–30 | Moderate | Your responses suggest moderate depressive symptoms. Speaking with a mental health professional could provide valuable support and strategies. |
| 31–45 | Severe | Your responses indicate significant depressive symptoms. We strongly encourage you to reach out to a healthcare provider or mental health professional for support. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is feeling sad the same as depression?
No. Sadness is a normal emotional response to difficult events. Depression is a clinical condition that persists regardless of circumstances and significantly impairs daily functioning.
What's the difference between depression and burnout?
They overlap but differ. Burnout is primarily work-related exhaustion that improves with rest and distance from work. Depression is pervasive — it affects all areas of life and doesn't lift just from rest.
What should I do if I score in the moderate or severe range?
Contact your GP as soon as possible. If you're having thoughts of self-harm, contact a crisis line immediately — Lifeline (Australia) on 13 11 14, or the relevant service in your country.
Can medication fix depression?
Antidepressants are effective for many people, particularly for moderate to severe depression. Therapy (especially CBT) is equally effective for many. Most clinical guidelines recommend a combination of both for best outcomes.
How do I access a psychologist in Australia?
Ask your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). This entitles you to up to 10 Medicare-subsidised sessions per year with a registered psychologist. The gap fee varies by psychologist and location.