Screening · PHQ-2
Quick depression check
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?
Timeframe: the last 2 weeks
For self-understanding only, not a diagnosis · you can exit anytime; answers are not saved or uploaded
About this instrument
The PHQ-2 takes the two core PHQ-9 items — low interest and low mood — as a first-pass screener. Scoring happens on your device; nothing is uploaded.
The PHQ-2 is simply the first two PHQ-9 items, proposed by Kroenke, Spitzer and Williams as an ultra-brief first-pass screen — it flags who deserves a fuller look rather than replacing one.
Scoring sums the two items for 0-6; a score of 3 or more is the usual cutoff triggering further evaluation. Pooled studies show good sensitivity but limited specificity — a positive result is not a diagnosis, and a negative one does not fully rule depression out.
Think of it as triage: if the score is elevated, the right move is the full PHQ-9 or a conversation with a professional, not a conclusion.
Source: PHQ-2 · Kroenke, Spitzer & Williams · Public domain; free to use and translate (phqscreeners.com) · Original source
Item preview (2)
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems?
- Little interest or pleasure in doing things
- Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless