Depression Test

Nine questions that actually tell you something

You know the feeling. You’re dragging through the day, nothing feels right, and you can’t tell if it’s just a bad week or something more. That’s where the Depression Test app steps in. It’s built around the PHQ-9, the same questionnaire doctors use to screen for depression. Nine questions. That’s it. No fluff, no endless surveys.

I ran through it myself on a Tuesday afternoon when I wasn’t feeling great. The questions are direct: how often have you felt down, had trouble sleeping, or lost interest in things? You pick from “not at all” to “nearly every day.” The whole thing took maybe three minutes. After that, it gives you a score and a breakdown—mild, moderate, moderately severe, or severe. It also flags specific symptoms like suicidal thoughts, which the app handles with a clear note to call a professional.

What surprised me is how clean the interface is. No ads. No pop-ups begging you to upgrade. Just a simple white screen with large text and a slider. The developer, Inquiry Health LLC, seems to have stripped away everything that could distract you. You can even track your scores over time with a built-in history log, so if you’re working with a therapist, you can show them how your mood has shifted week to week.

That said, it’s not a replacement for a real diagnosis. The app itself says that upfront. And the scoring can feel a little clinical—no comforting messages, no gentle nudges. It’s a tool, not a friend. For someone who just wants a clear, no-nonsense check-in, that’s probably a good thing. For others, it might feel cold.

If you’re already seeing a therapist or suspect you might need to, this app is a solid way to start the conversation. Take the test once, then show the results to your doctor. Nine questions can tell you a lot, but what you do with the answer matters more.