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Depression Self-Assessment

PHQ-9: 

The Personal Health Questionnaire is an assessment to screen for the main symptoms of depression based on the diagnostic criteria for Major Depressive Disorder. The severity of depressive symptoms can range from mild to severe and can also range in duration of each depressive episode. The PHQ-9 is specific to the listed symptoms within the past 2 weeks.

The following is a brief explanation of the scores and severity. It is recommended that you speak with your therapist about your symptoms and safety. The PHQ-9 does assess for suicide. While suicidal ideation can range from thoughts of not wanting to be around to active thoughts of dying, it is important to recognize resources and have an established safety plan with your family/loved ones and with your therapist.


What is low mood and depression?

Low mood is an emotional state characterized by feelings of sadness, anxiety, low self-esteem, tiredness, and frustration ¹. It is a temporary feeling of sadness or unhappiness that everyone experiences every now and then. It’s normal to feel down occasionally, particularly when you’re stressed or going through personal challenges, or disappointments ². However, if the low mood persists for a few days or weeks, it could be a sign of depression ⁴.

Some common symptoms of low mood include feeling sad or tearful, feeling bad about yourself, feeling “empty,” little interest or pleasure in doing things, desire to isolate yourself from people, difficulty sleeping, sleeping too much, feeling tired and lacking energy, feeling irritated or agitated, difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly, poor appetite, overeating, moving or speaking more slowly than normal ¹³.

If you are experiencing low mood, talking to someone about what you’re going through can help to resolve your feelings of sadness and worry. A doctor will also be able to give you practical advice about dealing with low mood; where appropriate they may prescribe medication and arrange counseling ¹. Remember, it’s okay to not be okay sometimes, and there is always help available if you need it.


Interpreting your self-assessment:

Compare your score for the Overt app to the scoring below to determine if you might be struggling with depression or low mood.

1-4: Minimal Depression.
Very mild to no significant impairment in life.
 

5-9: Mild Depression.
Mild impairment in functioning that may be mildly affecting work, school, or relationship.
 

10-14: Moderate Depression.
Symptoms may be affecting ability to enjoy life and reducing your general functioning which can lead to more problems and home, school, or work.  
 

15-19: Moderately Severe Depression.
More severe loss of enjoyment of life and likely needing more intensive treatment.
 

20-27: Severe Depression.
All, or nearly all, of the symptoms of depression are present and significantly affecting your ability to function in nearly all aspects of your life.  More intensive treatment is needed.
 

 

 

(1) What is low mood? | Doctor Care Anywhere | Doctor Care Anywhere. https://doctorcareanywhere.com/what-we-treat/mental-health/low-mood/what-is-low-mood-and-what-causes-low-mood/.
(2) Low mood: meaning, symptoms and coping – Priory. https://www.priorygroup.com/blog/low-mood.
(3) Low mood and depression – NHS inform. https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing/low-mood-and-depression/low-mood-and-depression.
(4) Low mood – Every Mind Matters – NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/low-mood/.

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