PHQ-9 and GAD-7 explained: what your self-test score means
If you've taken a mental health self-test in an app or clinic, chances are it was the PHQ-9 or the GAD-7. They are two of the most widely used, well-validated questionnaires in the world. Here's what they actually measure — and, just as important, what they don't.
What the PHQ-9 measures
The PHQ-9 is a 9-item screen for symptoms of depression over the past two weeks — things like low mood, loss of interest, sleep and appetite changes, and concentration. Each item is scored 0–3, for a total of 0–27.
| Score | Suggested severity |
|---|---|
| 0–4 | Minimal |
| 5–9 | Mild |
| 10–14 | Moderate |
| 15–19 | Moderately severe |
| 20–27 | Severe |
What the GAD-7 measures
The GAD-7 is a 7-item screen for generalized anxiety over the past two weeks — worry that's hard to control, restlessness, irritability, and feeling on edge. Total ranges 0–21.
| Score | Suggested severity |
|---|---|
| 0–4 | Minimal |
| 5–9 | Mild |
| 10–14 | Moderate |
| 15–21 | Severe |
How to read your result
Think of the score as a snapshot, not a label. A single number reflects the last two weeks and can shift with sleep, stress, or a rough patch. What's often more useful is the trend: retaking the test every couple of weeks shows whether things are improving, steady, or worsening.
What these tests can't do
- They don't diagnose. Only a qualified clinician can diagnose depression or an anxiety disorder.
- They don't explain causes. A high score tells you something hurts, not why.
- They aren't a pass/fail. They're a conversation starter with yourself and, ideally, a professional.
Used well, they're a simple way to check in and track change over time. In Safe Space you can take validated self-tests, see plain-language results with sources, and watch your trend alongside your mood journal.
Safe Space is a self-help wellness tool, not a medical device, and does not provide a diagnosis or replace professional care. In a crisis, contact local emergency services or a crisis hotline.