PHQ-9 Depression Screener Calculator

Screen for depression symptoms that commonly occur with chronic dizziness and tinnitus. This validated screening tool helps identify when professional mental health support may be beneficial for your overall well-being and symptom management.

PHQ-9 Depression Screener
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?

Depression and Chronic Dizziness/Tinnitus

Research shows a strong bidirectional relationship between vestibular disorders and mental health. Chronic dizziness and tinnitus can lead to depression and anxiety, while mental health conditions can worsen the perception and impact of these symptoms.

Why Depression Occurs:

  • • Chronic symptom burden and disability
  • • Social isolation and activity limitation
  • • Sleep disruption and fatigue
  • • Fear and anxiety about symptoms
  • • Impact on work and relationships
  • • Uncertainty about the future

Impact on Symptoms:

  • • Depression can worsen symptom perception
  • • Reduced motivation for treatment
  • • Decreased activity and deconditioning
  • • Poor sleep affecting recovery
  • • Increased focus on symptoms
  • • Reduced coping strategies

Understanding Your PHQ-9 Score

Minimal
0-4 Points

Minimal depression symptoms. Continue healthy lifestyle habits.

Mild
5-9 Points

Mild depression. Consider lifestyle changes and monitoring.

Moderate
10-14 Points

Moderate depression. Consider counseling or therapy.

Moderately Severe
15-19 Points

Moderately severe depression. Professional treatment recommended.

Severe
20-27 Points

Severe depression. Seek immediate professional help.

Treatment Options for Depression

Psychotherapy
  • • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • • Mindfulness-based approaches
  • • Interpersonal therapy
  • • Support groups
Medical Treatment
  • • Antidepressant medications
  • • Treatment of underlying conditions
  • • Sleep disorder management
  • • Pain management
  • • Medication review and adjustment
Lifestyle Interventions
  • • Regular exercise and physical activity
  • • Sleep hygiene improvement
  • • Stress management techniques
  • • Social support and connection
  • • Nutrition and diet optimization
Integrated Care
  • • Coordinated vestibular rehabilitation
  • • Multidisciplinary team approach
  • • Addressing both physical and mental health
  • • Family and caregiver support
  • • Peer support programs

Related Assessment Tools

DHI Calculator
Dizziness Handicap Inventory

Assess how dizziness affects your daily life and quality of life across multiple domains.

Take DHI Assessment →
THI Calculator
Tinnitus Handicap Inventory

Evaluate how tinnitus impacts your daily functioning and emotional well-being.

Take THI Assessment →
VADL Calculator
Vestibular Activities of Daily Living

Measure confidence in performing daily activities affected by balance disorders.

Take VADL Assessment →

Frequently Asked Questions About the PHQ-9