The Lilac Minds depression assessment is a free, structured screening tool built on the PHQ-9 framework — the most widely validated depression screening instrument in clinical use globally — extended with two additional questions tailored to the way depression often presents in Indian adult life. It takes four to six minutes and covers the symptom areas the PHQ-9 was designed to capture: persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities that used to feel rewarding, changes in sleep and appetite, fatigue, concentration difficulties, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and any thoughts of self-harm.
The eleven questions ask about the past two weeks — the standard reference window in depression screening — and your responses generate a score that places you in one of five severity bands: minimal, mild, moderate, moderately severe, or severe. Each band comes with a tailored set of next steps. A minimal result usually points toward lifestyle adjustments and self-monitoring. A mild-range score suggests that structured self-help and a conversation with a professional may be useful. Moderate and above carry a clear recommendation to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist, with specific guidance on what a first session typically involves and how soon to seek that consultation.
Two things are worth saying clearly. The first is that this is a screening tool, not a diagnostic one. A formal diagnosis of major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, or any other clinical condition requires a full evaluation with a qualified mental-health professional — psychologist Prarthana Thaker or another registered clinician. A high score on a screen tells you that the symptoms warrant attention, not that they fit one specific clinical category. The second is that any indication of self-harm thoughts — even fleeting ones — is reason enough to seek professional support promptly, regardless of where the overall score lands.
For many users, the assessment is most useful as a conversation starter, with themselves first and then with a clinician — a way to move from the vague sense that something is wrong to a clearer view of what to do about it.