PHQ-2
Identifies individuals in busy primary care settings who should complete the comprehensive 9-item PHQ-9.
Little interest or pleasure in doing things
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by this problem?
About the PHQ-2
Ultra-brief two-item first-step depression screener evaluating anhedonia and depressed mood.
Scoring Methodology & Interpretation
The PHQ-2 uses a validated sum algorithm with predefined clinical cutoffs established in peer-reviewed derivation and validation cohorts:
| Score Range | Severity Classification | Clinical Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 2 | Negative Initial Screen | Major depression is statistically less likely. |
| 3 – 6 | Positive Initial Screen | High sensitivity (83%) and specificity (92%) for major depressive disorder. |
Clinical Pearls & Considerations
- A score of 3 has optimal trade-off between sensitivity and specificity in primary care.
Developed by Drs. Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams and Kurt Kroenke. Pfizer makes the PHQ series available without a formal permission request, subject to its published terms of use.
This instrument is designed for educational, informational, and clinical reference purposes. Screening scores do not constitute a definitive medical diagnosis. Individual clinical management must integrate full diagnostic history, physical examination, and laboratory data by a licensed healthcare professional.
- Cannot quantify severity across the full spectrum of depressive symptoms.
- Does not evaluate suicidal ideation or sleep/appetite disturbances.
Evidence & Primary Literature Citations
- Key Validation StudyThe Patient Health Questionnaire-2: validity of a two-item depression screener.Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB. Med Care. 2003;41:1284-1292.