What this test measures
Depression is not one feeling but a pattern: low mood or lost interest that lasts, plus changes in sleep, energy, appetite, concentration, self-view and pace. This test asks about each of those over the last two weeks, which is the window clinicians use, and adds your answers up into a single score from 0 to 27.
It is a screening. It can tell you whether what you describe reaches the level at which a doctor would want to look more closely, and roughly how heavy the load is. It cannot tell you whether you have depression; only a clinician who talks with you can do that, and a low score does not rule it out.
How it is built
The test follows the structure of the nine-item depression questionnaire used in primary care around the world, often called the PHQ-9: one question for each of the nine criteria of a major depressive episode, each answered on the same four-point scale (not at all, several days, more than half the days, nearly every day), and the total read against the same cut-offs: 5 for mild, 10 for moderate, 15 for moderately severe and 20 for severe symptoms.
The wording of the questions is our own. For the profile we also group the nine questions into two clusters that research on the questionnaire often distinguishes: mood and thinking (interest, mood, self-view, concentration and thoughts of self-harm) and body and energy (sleep, energy, appetite and pace). Your score is always the plain sum of the nine answers, never an average of the two clusters.
What your result contains
Your free result shows your level (minimal, mild, moderate, moderately severe or severe) with a short summary, and the two clusters as bars. The full report adds your exact score and where it sits against the four cut-offs, your score in each cluster, what this level tends to look like day to day and what is still working, what to do at this level and what to bring to a conversation with a doctor, and a PDF to keep or to take to an appointment.
One thing is never behind the unlock: if you answer the last question, about thoughts of not wanting to be alive or of harming yourself, with anything other than "not at all", your result starts with a note about it and the support lines, free, every time.
Not a diagnosis, and where to get support
A score above a cut-off is a pattern worth discussing with a doctor or therapist, not a label. Depression is also among the most treatable conditions there are: talking therapies and, where needed, medication help many people who get them.
If you are struggling right now, these lines are free and confidential: Find a helpline in your country, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US (call or text 988), Samaritans in the UK and Ireland (116 123) and 113 Zelfmoordpreventie in the Netherlands (113 or 0800-0113). If you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about the Depression Test.
How long does the Depression Test take?
About two minutes. There are nine questions, each with four answers, and most people finish in under three minutes.
What does the Depression Test measure?
It asks about the nine criteria of a major depressive episode over the last two weeks: loss of interest, low mood, sleep, energy, appetite, self-view, concentration, pace, and thoughts of not wanting to be alive or of self-harm. Each answer scores 0 to 3; the total of 0 to 27 is read against the cut-offs 5, 10, 15 and 20. Your level and a short summary are free; your exact score, the two cluster scores and the full report are one payment, no subscription.
Is this the PHQ-9?
No. It follows the structure of that questionnaire (nine criteria, the same four-point scale over two weeks, the same cut-offs), but the wording of every question is our own and it is not the official instrument. If a doctor asks you to fill in the PHQ-9, do that one.
Is this a diagnosis?
No. It is a screening. A score above a cut-off means a pattern worth discussing with a doctor or therapist; only a qualified clinician can diagnose depression, and a low score does not rule it out.
Is my data private?
Yes. Your answers are scored in your browser. Mental-health results are never shown on a share card: if you share the test, you share the test, not your result. We do not sell personal data and you can ask for export or deletion at any time.
Can I retake the Depression Test?
Yes, as often as you like. Because it asks about the last two weeks, retaking it every two to four weeks gives a useful picture of whether things are easing or getting heavier.