How is the PHQ-9 scored?

The PHQ-9 contains 9 questions, each scored 0 (Not at all) to 3 (Nearly every day). Total score ranges from 0 to 27: 0–4 = Minimal/None; 5–9 = Mild; 10–14 = Moderate; 15–19 = Moderately Severe; 20–27 = Severe depression.

Is this tool a diagnosis?

No. The PHQ-9 is a validated screening instrument, not a diagnostic tool. A positive screen (score ≥10) indicates that a formal clinical evaluation by a qualified mental health professional is warranted.

What did the SMILES trial find about diet and depression?

The SMILES trial was the first randomised controlled trial testing dietary improvement as a direct treatment for depression. After 12 weeks of a modified Mediterranean diet, 32% of participants achieved full clinical remission — compared to just 8% in the social support control group.

What is L-methylfolate and why is it used for depression?

L-methylfolate is the active, bioavailable form of folate (Vitamin B9). It bypasses the MTHFR enzyme blockage common in 30–40% of the population and directly supports serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine synthesis. CANMAT guidelines recommend 15 mg/day as an augmentation strategy.

What should I do if I score in the Severe range?

A PHQ-9 score of 20–27 indicates severe depression and requires immediate professional evaluation. Please contact your doctor, a mental health professional, or a hospital emergency department. In India, free support is available through iCall (9152987821) and Vandrevala Foundation (1860-2662-345, 24/7).

Is the PHQ-9 screener free and private?

Yes — completely free. No account or personal data required. All calculations happen locally in your browser. Your answers are never transmitted to any server.

The DietXP Depression Screener & Nutrition Plan

Q: Can nutrition really improve depression?

Yes — there is now strong clinical trial evidence. The landmark SMILES trial (2017) found that a modified Mediterranean diet produced a 32% remission rate in clinical depression — statistically equivalent to antidepressant medication in the STAR*D trial. The HELFIMED trial further confirmed these benefits with Mediterranean eating plus omega-3 fish oil.

Q: How much omega-3 is recommended for depression?

The ISNPR recommends 1–2 grams of net EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) daily as adjunctive treatment for Major Depressive Disorder. The ratio of EPA to DHA must exceed 2:1.

Q: What Indian foods are good for mental health?

Traditional Indian foods with strong evidence for mood support include: turmeric (curcumin blocks neuroinflammation), flaxseeds and walnuts (plant omega-3s), fermented foods like idli, dosa, and curd (gut microbiome support), millets like ragi and bajra (low GI, selenium, zinc), soya (isoflavones), dal and legumes (folate, tryptophan), and dark leafy greens like palak and methi (folate, magnesium).

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🧠 Clinical PHQ-9 severity score (0–27) validated for MDD

🥗 Personalised SMILES-protocol nutrition plan for your tier

💊 Evidence-based nutraceutical doses (Omega-3, B12, Vit D, Zinc)

🏃 WFSBP Grade-2 lifestyle prescriptions: exercise, sleep, mindfulness

A 2-minute mood check-in

This questionnaire asks about 9 specific symptoms of depression that doctors look for. Answer honestly — there are no right or wrong answers. Your responses go nowhere; everything is calculated in your browser.

How the PHQ-9 works

For each question, you'll rate how often you've experienced that symptom over the last 2 weeks. The 9 items directly match the diagnostic criteria for depression in the DSM-5. A total score of 10 or above indicates clinically significant depression with 88% accuracy.

After your score, you'll receive a personalised nutrition and lifestyle plan based on the SMILES trial, WFSBP guidelines, and ICMR-NIN 2024 recommendations.

This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. It is designed to help identify symptoms worth discussing with a doctor or mental health professional — not to replace clinical evaluation. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please call iCall: 9152987821 or Vandrevala: 1860-2662-345 now.

Thinking & self

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by each of the following? This is the final section.

Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television

Concentration difficulties reflect neuroinflammation and reduced BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). EPA omega-3s and zinc directly upregulate BDNF and support synaptic function.

Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed? Or the opposite — being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual

Psychomotor retardation or agitation are objective, observable signs of severity. Both reflect dopaminergic pathway disruption. This item has one of the highest positive likelihood ratios (LOR 3.07) for severe MDD.

Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or of hurting yourself in some way

This question covers thoughts of self-harm. Your answer is completely private and helps ensure you get the right support. If you are having these thoughts, you are not alone — and help is available right now.

Scores are population-level probabilities. This tool does not replace clinical evaluation. Discuss your results with a qualified doctor or mental health professional before making any health decisions.

PHQ-9 DEPRESSION SCORE

Answer questions to begin

0/9 questions answered

SEVERITY SCALE

Minimal 0–4

Mild 5–9

Moderate 10–14

Mod. Severe 15–19

Severe 20–27

Screening tool only — not a diagnosis. Always consult a qualified clinician.

Frequently asked questions

What is the PHQ-9 and how accurate is it?

The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is the world's most widely used validated depression screening tool, tested in studies of over 6,000 patients. A score of 10 or higher detects Major Depressive Disorder with 88% sensitivity and 88% specificity — equivalent to a structured psychiatric interview. It is recommended by WHO, NHS, NIMHANS, and most Indian public health guidelines.

Can diet really treat depression?

There is now strong clinical trial evidence. The landmark SMILES trial (2017) found that a modified Mediterranean diet produced a 32% remission rate in clinical depression — statistically equivalent to antidepressant medication in the large STAR*D trial, but without pharmacological side effects. The HELFIMED trial further confirmed benefits with Mediterranean eating plus omega-3 fish oil, with improvements persisting at 6 months.

Is this a clinical diagnosis?

No. The PHQ-9 is a validated screening instrument — not a diagnostic tool. A high score indicates that a formal evaluation by a qualified mental health professional is warranted. This tool provides educational information only and cannot replace the judgment of a licensed clinician. If you score ≥10, please discuss your result with your doctor.

How much omega-3 is recommended for depression?

The ISNPR recommends 1–2 grams of net EPA daily as adjunctive treatment for MDD, with an EPA:DHA ratio strictly greater than 2:1. Formulations with lower EPA ratios consistently fail to separate from placebo in clinical trials. Fish oil, krill oil, or algae-based EPA supplements all qualify. Clinical effects typically appear after 6–8 weeks of consistent use.

Which Indian foods are best for mood?

Several traditional Indian foods have strong evidence: turmeric (curcumin blocks neuroinflammation via NF-κB), flaxseeds and walnuts (plant-based omega-3), fermented foods like idli, dosa, and curd (gut microbiome support via Lactobacillus), millets like ragi and bajra (low GI, selenium, zinc), soya (tryptophan for serotonin), dal and legumes (folate), and dark leafy greens like palak and methi (folate, magnesium, B6).

Is this tool private?

Yes — completely. No account, email address, or personal information is required. All PHQ-9 calculations happen locally in your browser. Your answers are never sent to any server, stored in any database, or shared with anyone. Only a temporary session record is kept in your browser's local memory so you can resume if you navigate away.

⚕️ Clinical Disclaimer: The PHQ-9 is a validated screening instrument (Kroenke & Spitzer, 2001) reproduced for educational and informational purposes only. This digital tool does not constitute a medical diagnosis. All nutrition and lifestyle recommendations are adjunctive, evidence-based suggestions (SMILES trial, WFSBP/ASLM 2023, ISNPR guidelines, CANMAT 2016, ICMR-NIN DGI 2024). Consult a qualified physician or registered dietitian before making changes to your diet, supplementation, or medication regimen. If you are in mental health crisis, contact emergency services or a crisis helpline immediately.

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A 2-minute mood check-in

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