

Headaches, stomach trouble, a racing heart, or tiredness that just won't lift? The PHQ-15 is a 15-question physical-symptoms scale from the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), developed by Kurt Kroenke, Robert L. Spitzer and Janet B.W. Williams. It asks how much common physical symptoms have bothered you recently and gives a 0–30 somatic symptom score with next steps. It takes about four minutes. It cannot tell what is causing your symptoms, so please see a doctor about them.
Scientific background: Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JBW. The PHQ-15: validity of a new measure for evaluating the severity of somatic symptoms. Psychosom Med 2002;64:258-266. PHQ-15 somatic symptom scale of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke and colleagues, with an educational grant from Pfizer Inc. No permission required to reproduce, translate, display or distribute. Chinese: items 1a-m, 2c and 2d of the PHQ Traditional Chinese for Hong Kong (phqscreeners.com), selected as the PHQ instruction manual describes. Learn more
This is a self-screening tool: the result is for reference only and is not a medical diagnosis. The PHQ-15 cannot tell what is causing a symptom — please see a doctor about any physical symptom that persists, gets worse or worries you. For severe or sudden chest pain, fainting or difficulty breathing, call 999. In a crisis, call the Samaritans Hong Kong 24-hour hotline on 2896 0000.
Physical Symptoms Test (PHQ-15)
0 / 15
For each question, choose how much the symptom has bothered you. Questions 1–13 ask about the past four weeks; the last two ask about the past two weeks. Question 4 is for women only: if it does not apply to you, choose “Not applicable”, which scores 0.
During the last 4 weeks, how much have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
Stomach pain
Back pain
Pain in your arms, legs, or joints (knees, hips, etc.)
Menstrual cramps or other problems with your periods
Pain or problems during sexual intercourse
Headaches
Chest pain
Dizziness
Fainting spells
Feeling your heart pound or race
Shortness of breath
Constipation, loose bowels, or diarrhea
Nausea, gas, or indigestion
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
Feeling tired or having little energy
Complete the assessment to open your report.
Results are for reference only and do not constitute a medical diagnosis — if you have concerns, please consult a doctor or mental-health professional.