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ereHEALTH

Adolescent Depression Screening

Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A) · 9 questions · 2 minutes

Depression in adolescents can look different than in adults. Rather than persistent sadness, teens may show increased irritability, withdrawal from friends and activities, declining school performance, changes in sleep or appetite, or frequent complaints of physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches. Adolescence is a time of significant change, and it can be difficult to distinguish typical teenage behavior from symptoms that warrant attention. Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions among adolescents, and early identification matters — teens who receive appropriate treatment often see significant improvement. This screening uses the PHQ-A, a tool validated for adolescents ages 12–17. It is not a diagnosis — only a qualified provider can make that determination — but it can help you decide whether a clinical evaluation might be a helpful next step. For children under 12, validated screening tools for depression are best administered in a clinical setting. If you're concerned about a younger child, we're here to help.

The PHQ-A is a validated screening tool for depression in adolescents ages 12–17. It takes about 2 minutes to complete. Your teen can complete it on their own, or you can go through it together. After answering all 9 questions, you'll see the score immediately with an explanation of what it means.

Learn more about how we approach adolescent depression treatment →

Important

This is a validated screening tool, not a diagnosis. Only a qualified provider can make a clinical diagnosis. Your responses are not stored or shared — this screening is completely private.

1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things?
2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?
3. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much?
4. Feeling tired or having little energy?
5. Poor appetite or overeating?
6. Feeling bad about yourself — or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down?
7. Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading or watching videos?
8. Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed? Or the opposite — being so fidgety or restless that you are moving around a lot more than usual?
9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way?