What Is the PHQ-10 Questionnaire?
The PHQ-10 (Patient Health Questionnaire – 10-item version) is a validated clinical screening tool for measuring the severity of depression. NeuroStar uses a modified 10-item version (based on the standard PHQ-9) that includes an additional question about anxiety. It is used by TMS practices to assess patients’ depression levels before, during, and after treatment, and to determine eligibility for and progress with NeuroStar TMS therapy. The digital version can be sent to patients via email or SMS through TrakStar.
Key Facts & Eligibility
- Who uses it
- Clinicians and patients. Patients can self-administer; clinicians interpret scores to guide treatment decisions.
- Scoring
- Scores indicate minimal, mild, moderate, moderately severe, or severe depression. A score of 10 or above typically suggests the need for clinical evaluation.
- Use in TMS context
- TrakStar automates PHQ-10 delivery at the start of treatment, throughout the 36-session course, and in post-treatment follow-up to track remission and identify re-treatment needs.
- Availability
- The printable PDF and online version are available free of charge via NeuroStar.
PHQ-10 Self-Assessment
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems? Select one answer per row. Your total score will update automatically.
| Question | Not at all (0) | Several days (1) | More than half the days (2) | Nearly every day (3) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 the newspaper or watching television | ||||
| 8. Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed — or being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual | ||||
| 9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead, or thoughts of hurting yourself in some way | ||||
| 10. Feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge (anxiety item — added to the NeuroStar PHQ-10) |
Important: This self-assessment is for informational purposes only and is not a medical diagnosis. If you score in the moderate-to-severe range, please consult a qualified physician or mental health provider. In crisis? Call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (or 800-273-TALK) or call 911.
Score Interpretation
| Total Score | Depression Severity |
|---|---|
| 0 – 4 | Minimal |
| 5 – 9 | Mild |
| 10 – 14 | Moderate |
| 15 – 19 | Moderately Severe |
| 20 – 30 | Severe |
Next Step
Take the free online PHQ-10 self-assessment at neurostar.com/self-assessment-for-depression/. After completing, share results with a doctor or find a nearby NeuroStar provider to discuss next steps.
