Depression
PHQ-2 Depression Screener
An ultra-brief 2-item screen for depressed mood.
About this test
The PHQ-2 is the first two items of the PHQ-9, used as a very quick first check for low mood and loss of interest over the past two weeks. A total of 3 or more is a positive screen that suggests a fuller assessment such as the PHQ-9.
What your score means
| Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 0–2 | Negative screen |
| 3–6 | Positive screen |
Frequently asked questions
How is the PHQ-2 different from the PHQ-9?
It is the first two questions of the PHQ-9, used as a faster first check. A positive PHQ-2 usually leads to the full PHQ-9.
What score is a concern?
A total of 3 or more (out of 6) is a positive screen.
Related screenings
CES-DCES-D Depression ScaleEPDSEdinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)GDS-15Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)
Source: Kroenke, Spitzer & Williams (2003). Public domain (Pfizer).