Mental health screening
PHQ-2 Depression Screener
The Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) rapidly screens for core symptoms of depression over the last 2 weeks. Select the frequency that best matches your experience to calculate your score.
1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things
e.g. You feel flat, unmotivated, or disengaged from activities you normally enjoy.
2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
Persistent sadness, pessimism, or a sense that the future looks bleak.
Total PHQ-2 score
0
Range 0–6
Scores below 2 suggest symptoms are currently mild. Continue monitoring mood, especially if stressors persist or new symptoms appear.
If depressive symptoms are accompanied by suicidal thoughts, urgent mental health support is required.
How to Use This Calculator
Reflect on the last 14 days
Consider how frequently you experienced each symptom during the previous two weeks.
Choose the best-matching option
Select the response that most closely reflects the frequency of each symptom.
Review your score and next steps
Scores ≥3 warrant a full PHQ-9 assessment or referral to a qualified clinician.
Formula
Total PHQ-2 score = Sum of the two response values.
- Each response is scored 0 (Not at all) to 3 (Nearly every day).
- Total ranges from 0 (no depressive symptoms reported) to 6 (severe symptom frequency).
- Screen positive if
score ≥ 3.
Full Description
The PHQ-2 is an evidence-based ultra-brief screening tool derived from the Patient Health Questionnaire. It asks about the two hallmark symptoms of depression: loss of interest/anhedonia and low mood. The tool is used in primary care, telehealth, and community mental health to flag individuals who may require comprehensive evaluation. Because it focuses on frequency—not severity—it should be followed by a deeper assessment (such as the PHQ-9) whenever the score is ≥3 or clinical concern persists.
Screening does not equal diagnosis. Clinical interviews should explore symptom duration, functional impact, comorbid conditions, substance use, and safety concerns. Immediate intervention is necessary if suicidal ideation, self-harm, or psychosis is present, regardless of the PHQ-2 score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PHQ-2 a diagnostic test?
No. It is strictly a screening tool that indicates whether further assessment is warranted.
How often should I repeat the screening?
In clinical settings the PHQ-2 is often repeated every 4–8 weeks, particularly when monitoring treatment response.
What if my score is below 3 but I still feel unwell?
Seek professional advice. Low scores do not rule out depression, especially when symptoms impair daily functioning.
Can I use this tool for adolescents?
While the PHQ-2 is validated in adults and adolescents, ensure a clinician interprets results in the context of age, development, and family input.