Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems?
Report details · optional
Shown on the report and stored with the screening record. Use initials or a code, not full names.
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About this screener — evidence, source, alternatives
The two core DSM criteria for major depression — depressed mood and anhedonia — rated over the last two weeks, scored 0 to 6. A score of 3 or more should be followed by the full PHQ-9 and a clinical interview. It does not ask about suicidal thoughts, so a negative PHQ-2 does not rule out risk.
Evidence · validated
In 580 primary-care and obstetrics-gynaecology patients with a criterion-standard interview, a PHQ-2 score ≥ 3 had a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 92% for major depression (Kroenke et al., 2003). In adolescents aged 13–17, ≥ 3 had a sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 75% for DSM-IV major depression (Richardson et al., Pediatrics 2010).
Free alternative to
- Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) · Pearson
Paid depression inventory; the PHQ-2 is a free ultra-brief first step before the PHQ-9.
Source & licence
Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JBW. The Patient Health Questionnaire-2: validity of a two-item depression screener. Med Care. 2003;41(11):1284–1292. Developed by Drs Robert L. Spitzer, Janet B.W. Williams, Kurt Kroenke and colleagues, with an educational grant from Pfizer Inc.
Licence: Public domain — the PHQ instruction manual states all PHQ-family measures (including the PHQ-2) are in the public domain; no permission required to reproduce, translate, display or distribute.
Official source ↗