Skip to main content

Depression Test (Self-Assessment): what it measures and how to interpret your score

Gildas GarrecPsychopraticien TCC
4 min read

📋 Assess your situation — Does this article speak to you? Take one of our 90+ psychological tests for immediate personalised results.

In brief : This screening questionnaire explores four families of depressive symptoms over the past two weeks: mood (sadness, discouragement), anhedonia (loss of interest and pleasure), cognitive symptoms (worthlessness, guilt, concentration) and somatic symptoms (sleep, appetite, energy).

This screening questionnaire explores four families of depressive symptoms over the past two weeks: mood (sadness, discouragement), anhedonia (loss of interest and pleasure), cognitive symptoms (worthlessness, guilt, concentration) and somatic symptoms (sleep, appetite, energy). It is inspired by reference clinical criteria (PHQ-9 type). It is NOT a medical diagnosis: only a health professional can diagnose. If you have suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately: contact your local emergency services, or find a helpline in your country at findahelpline.com.

What the test measures

  • Sadness, discouragement, hopelessness present most of the time.
  • Loss of interest and pleasure in usually enjoyed activities.
  • Worthlessness, excessive guilt, difficulty concentrating and deciding.
  • Sleep and appetite disturbance, fatigue and slowing.

How to interpret your score

Your result reads as an intensity, not a diagnosis:

  • Minimal depressive symptoms : Your answers do not bring out significant depressive symptoms over the past two weeks. This is a reassuring snapshot. This questionnaire remains a screening tool, not a diagnosis: if your state changes, you can take it again.
  • Mild depressive symptoms : Your answers suggest mild depressive symptoms over the past two weeks. Many people go through such periods; they deserve attention without being alarming. Talking about it with your primary care doctor, and taking care of your sleep, activity and social ties, are good first steps.
  • Moderate depressive symptoms : Your answers indicate moderate depressive symptoms. They describe real suffering that weighs on your daily life. It is important to say it clearly: depression can be treated, and consulting a professional (doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist) is the recommended approach. You do not have to wait for it to "pass" alone.
  • Severe depressive symptoms : Your answers place your profile in the highest zone of this screening questionnaire over the past two weeks. This suggests significant depressive suffering that deserves to be evaluated quickly by a health professional. This test does not provide a diagnosis and does not measure an exact "severity": it signals that what you are going through justifies support, without delay. If you have suicidal thoughts or the feeling that life is no longer worth living, contact your local emergency services immediately, or find a helpline in your country at findahelpline.com. You are not alone, and this state can improve with help.

What your full report includes

Beyond the 5 free questions, the detailed PDF report (from EUR 1.99) includes:

Besoin d'en parler ?

Prendre RDV en visioséance
  • Introduction : This screening questionnaire explores four families of depressive symptoms over the past two weeks: mood (sadness, discouragement), anhedonia (loss of interest and pleasure), cognitive symptoms (worthlessness, guilt, concentration) and somatic symptoms (sleep, appetite, energy). It is inspired by reference clinical criteria (PHQ-9 type).
  • Global Score : Your global score of {{globalScore}}% summarizes your results.
  • Dimension Analysis : Each dimension is analyzed individually.
  • Recommendations : Personalized recommendations based on your profile.
The first 5 questions are free; the full personalised report (your precise score, your profile per dimension, your recommendations) is paid.

When to take this test

  • You recognise yourself in depression, humeur, sante mentale and want to see more clearly.
  • You want a structured reading rather than a vague impression.
  • You are looking for an objective starting point before talking to a professional if needed.

FAQ

How long does the test take? 30 questions, about 15 min. The first 5 are free. Does the test provide a diagnosis? No. It measures an intensity and gives you reference points; only a professional can make a diagnosis. Are my answers confidential? Yes: the test is 100% anonymous and the report is delivered directly to you.

👉 Start the Depression Test (Self-Assessment) → — first 5 questions free, instant result, PDF report, 100% anonymous.

Want to learn more about yourself?

Explore our 90+ online psychological tests with detailed PDF reports.

Start free (5 questions) — full PDF report from €1.99

Discover our tests

💬

Analyze your conversations too

Import your WhatsApp, Telegram or SMS messages and discover what they reveal about your relationship. 14 clinical psychology models. 100% anonymous.

Go to ScanMyLove

👩‍⚕️

Need professional support?

Gildas Garrec, CBT Psychopractitioner in Nantes, offers individual therapy, couples therapy, and structured therapeutic programs.

Book a video session

Partager cet article :

Gildas Garrec, Psychopraticien TCC

About the author

Gildas Garrec · CBT Psychopractitioner

Certified practitioner in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), author of 16 books on applied psychology and relationships. Over 900 clinical articles published across Psychologie et Sérénité.

📚 16 published books📝 900+ articles🎓 CBT certified