Depression Self-Test: Understanding DSM-5 Criteria and Different Types of Depression

An article by Anna Keyter discussing depression self-tests.

Important Disclaimer For Depression Self-Tests:

This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool and cannot replace a professional assessment. This depression self-test is designed to help you understand common symptoms, but self-tests are not substitutes for clinical evaluation. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, please consult a qualified psychologist, psychiatrist, or your GP.

If you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or feel you are in crisis, seek immediate help:

United Kingdom

• 999 — Emergency services (if in immediate danger)
• 111 (select mental health option) — NHS urgent mental health support, available 24/7
• 116 123 — Samaritans (24/7 emotional support)

United States

• 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7)
• 911 — Emergency services

Europe & Other Countries

• 112 — Common EU emergency number
• Visit findahelpline.com or befrienders.org for local support.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a common but serious mood disorder that affects how you feel, think, and function every day. This depression self-test can help you recognise whether your symptoms may indicate something more than temporary sadness.

DSM-5 Criteria for Major Depressive Episode

According to the DSM-5, a Major Depressive Episode requires five or more symptoms present during the same 2-week period, with at least one being depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure.

Depression Self-Test (PHQ-9 Style Scoring)

This depression self-test is based on the widely used PHQ-9 screening questions. Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?

No.	Symptom	Not at all	Several days	More than half the days	Nearly every day
1	Little interest or pleasure in doing things	0	1	2	3
2	Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless	0	1	2	3
3	Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much	0	1	2	3
4	Feeling tired or having little energy	0	1	2	3
5	Poor appetite or overeating	0	1	2	3
6	Feeling bad about yourself — or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down	0	1	2	3
7	Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television	0	1	2	3
8	Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed? Or the opposite — being so fidgety or restless	0	1	2	3
9	Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way	0	1	2	3

How to Score the Depression Self-Test:

Add your scores for questions 1–9 to get your total (out of 27).

Score Interpretation:

• 0–4: Minimal or no depression
• 5–9: Mild depression
• 10–14: Moderate depression
• 15–19: Moderately severe depression
• 20–27: Severe depression

A score of 10 or above on this depression self-test usually means it’s worth speaking to a professional.

If your score is 10 or higher, or you feel ready for support, you can book an online consultation here.

Different Types / Phases of Depression

• Clinical Depression (Major Depressive Disorder – MDD): Discrete episodes lasting at least 2 weeks with a significant impact on daily life.
• Chronic Depression (Persistent Depressive Disorder / Dysthymia): Milder but long-lasting symptoms for at least 2 years.
• Severe / “Can’t Function” Depression: Marked impairment where basic daily tasks become extremely difficult.

Many people use a depression self-test like this one as a helpful first step before starting therapy.

When to Seek Professional Help

Consider reaching out if your depression self-test score is 10 or higher, symptoms last more than two weeks, or daily functioning becomes difficult. As a BPS-registered psychologist specialising in psychotherapy, I provide evidence-based online depression therapy.

Learn more about my approach here or explore my online mood disorder services.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you would like confidential support with depression, anxiety, grief, or other difficulties, I offer flexible online therapy sessions.

• Book an online appointment
• Contact me directly
• View online mood disorder services
• View individual counselling services
• View grief & loss services

References for a depression self-test

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787

Kroenke, K., Spitzer, R. L., & Williams, J. B. W. (2001). The PHQ-9: Validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(9), 606–613. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1525-1497.2001.016009606.x